Egyptian Ambassador Maher El-Adawy yesterday challenged Malawians to stop depending on other nations to develop and decide their future, but to take it upon themselves.
El-Adawy made the remarks when he addressed journalists in Lilongwe as part of celebrations to mark the third anniversary of Egypt’s June 30 2013 Resolution and the African Dream.
Minister of Information, Communications Technology and Civic Education Patricia Kaliati was also in attendance.
In his remarks, El-Adawy emphasised that no one, including those providing technical and financial support to the country, should be allowed to decide the future of Malawi.
He said: “Don’t let external forces influence or interfere with the internal politics of your country. Malawians should decide for themselves what is good for them.”
El-Adawy said three years ago, Egyptians decided what was best for them; hence, Egypt has managed to surpass South Africa to become the second largest economy in Africa and is set to be among top 20 economies in the world.
Said El-Adawy: “Today, Egypt is committed to helping other African countries to achieve their dream without attaching strings to its assistance. Egypt is committed to invest in a number of areas in Malawi, including health, agriculture and information and communication technology to enable the country to achieve its dream. Egyptians do not believe in giving fish; rather, we believe in teaching people how to fish.”
On her part, Kaliati called on Malawians to embrace values of patriotism, integrity and hard work.
The June 30 2013 Revolution climaxed into the toppling of Muslim Brotherhood-sponsored President Mohammed Morsi.
The commemoration of the revolution will culminate into events marking the second Egyptian cultural week in Malawi on 18-25 July 2016 and the celebration of the national day of Egypt on 21 July 2016. n
