‘Zimbabwe, Malawi are one’  

Roselyne Sachiti in LILONGWE, Malawi

Zimbabwe and Malawi have a deep-rooted historical connection, and Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s visit from August 23 to 26 for the centenary celebrations of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), along with additional governmental engagements, serves to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Speaking to journalists today, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Malawi Dr Nancy Saungweme outlined the history between Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia dating back to the colonial era.

“Zimbabwe and Malawi are one. We are also now adding Zambia because were all one country during the colonial time,” she said. “Because of that, people who were coming from Malawi to Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe to Malawi formed CCAP.”

The visit by Vice President Mohadi to Malawi, Dr Saungweme highlighted, will be of great importance to the region and Zimbabwe even with Zambia.

“It is going to cement our relationship,” she said. “Where God is relationships are cemented. The coming of the Vice President is the best thing that has happened because we are going to be one family here in Malawi.”

She added that Zimbabwe and Malawi have thriving diplomatic relations evidenced by high-level visits.

“The President of the Republic of Malawi, His Excellency Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera was in Harare to attend the successful SADC Summit, which was hosted by Zimbabwe,” Dr Saungweme said.

“Since becoming President, the Malawian leader has paid official visits three times. His first visit was from September 30 to October 1 2020, just three months after his inauguration. “He also undertook a one-day visit to Zimbabwe to attend the 11th Smart Africa Board Meeting, which was held in Victoria Falls, on April 26 2023.”

On the other hand, Dr Saungweme added, President Mnangagwa, paid a successful State visit to Malawi, from May 31 to June 2 2023.

She said the visit provided an opportunity for Zimbabwe and Malawi to renew shared optimism that exists between the two countries.

“That visit was preceded by the 11th Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between Zimbabwe and Malawi, in May 2023, where nine MoUs in various areas of interest were agreed,” she said.

“The JPCC provides a significant framework to consolidate our two countries’ development and cooperation.”