UK says it cherishes military partnership with Malawi

The British Government has said it cherishes its military partnership with Malawi which has lasted many years from the colonial era.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of war veterans and ex-servicemen commemorations held at War Memorial Tower at Capital Hill in Lilongwe yesterday, British High Commissioner Holly Tett said the military relationship is not that of convenience but rather very cordial and caring.

She said: “There are a number of areas we are working together such as where the UK is training Malawian soldiers going to peace-keeping missions in Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] and we are also working side by side in the protection of wildlife at Liwonde National Park. It’s a true partnership whereby we are tackling global challenges together.”

The ceremony began with a Second Battalion of Malawi Rifles parade within the city to the Memorial Tower where Vice-President Saulos Chilima led in the laying of wreaths, followed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Duncan Mwapasa and Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Deputy Commander, Clement Namangale.

After the deputy security chiefs followed the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Esther Mcheka and Justice Edward Tweya, then diplomatic community led by the dean of diplomats, the Zimbabwean High Commissioner Thandi Dumbutshena.

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Malawi Congress Party leader Lazarus Chakwera also laid his wreath in respect of the fallen heroes.

This year’s poppy week was characterised by the MDF raising funds for war veterans. Chairperson of the war veterans and ex-servicemen Major General Professor Dan Kuwali said they raised about K20 million.

He said: “We are looking at providing a business capital for our ex-service men and war veterans. There are about 19 of them in the MDF care homes but there are also others living with their relatives in the communities.”

The first and second world war veterans memorial events was set to be held on 11th day of the 11th month when the Second World War was declared to end in 1942. n