By Linda Kwanjana & Kondanani Chilimunthaka
Malawi President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday hosted Zambian counterpart President Hakainde Hichilema at the Kamuzu Palace in the Capital City Lilongwe where chief on the agenda was attainment of cordial relationship to drive social, economic and political status of the people between the two countries.
Zambian President arrived in the country and Minister of Foreign Affairs Elsenhower Mkaka welcomed Hakainde and Kamuzu International Airport (KIA).
Upon his arrival at Kamuzu Palace Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera welcomed his Zambian counterpart and the two leaders went straight into bilateral talks.
Speaking at a joint press conference soon after finishing the bilateral talks the two leaders agreed to strengthen their Cross-border trading ties as one way of enhancing the friendship that exists between the two countries.
Chakwera said the two countries are inseparable sisters as they share a lot in common ranging from their histories, geography, culture, economies, values, and language, which he said proves the fact why Zambians and Malawians remain one despite having borders which separate the two countries.
“My brother President, I share a common conviction that the development and progress of Malawi and Zambia are inextricably linked. That is why in our bilateral discussions today, we have agreed to fast track the removal of all bottlenecks to Cross-border trading, including a review of the existing Simplified Trade Regime in order to expand the list of eligible products traded within this framework. We have agreed to harmonize and simplify border controls by jointly constricting One Stop Border Post at Mchinji/Mwami borders, which my brother President and I will commission together next year.” Said President Chakwera in his statement.
He then commended the commitment the two countries have shown and pledged Malawi’s commitment to continue working closely together with Zambia for the benefit of the two countries.
President Chakwera took time to congratulate Hichilema on his election and swearing in as the seventh President of the Republic of Zambia and has since wished him well as he lead the nation.