15 envoys present credentials to APM
President Peter Mutharika on Thursday received letters of credence from 15 envoys marking the beginning of their diplomatic tours of duty in the country.
The new envoys are from Canada, Australia, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Namibia, Ghana, Uganda, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Philippines and South Korea
Speaking after presenting their credentials to President Mutharika at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, the new diplomats separately expressed commitment to strengthen diplomatic ties between Malawi and their countries in the sectors of trade and investment, agriculture, health, education, economy and mining.
Philippines Ambassador, Uriel Norman Garibay noted that Malawi has minimal investment in trade and that he sees the prospects of the country’s growth in the area if the two countries consolidate their bilateral ties and work together.
“We are coming to build on the gains that the countries have registered since the joint cooperation started. Philippines would like to work with Malawi and help in ensuring there’s growth in trade and investment,” he said.
Taking his turn French Ambassador, Richard Boidin, said apart from France providing multilateral funds to different countries, including Malawi, to fight against malaria, tuberculosis and Aids, the French Government remains committed to share notes on how the country could benefit from geological mapping and mineral assessment to widen the gap for investment.
“Right now, we have French companies such as Castel, Total, Lafarge, Bollore who are active in Malawi but these are not enough as such we are also committed to attract more French investors in the country,” he said, adding that France would also enhance bilateral cooperation in the area of mining.
On his part, the South Korean envoy to Malawi, Cho Jai–Chel promised to play a role in supporting Malawi’s economy, humanitarian assistance as well as cultural development between the two countries.
The Namibian envoy, Leornard Nambahu, pledged his country’s commitment to work with Malawi in the area of mining and tourism, saying Malawi was endowed with abundant natural resources including fresh lake waters and mountains.
“It is quite fascinating to see how beautiful Malawi is and on our part as Namibia through the bilateral relationship we will specifically work in the sectors of mining and tourism to ensure the country’s resources are put to full potential,” he pointed out.
The Dutch and Australian envoys Barbara Maria van Hellenmond and Bronte Nadine Moules, respectively, expressed their countries’ interest to support Malawi in agriculture, health and education in an effort to grow Malawi’s economy.
