Africa-Press – Malawi. President Lazarus Chakwera, who is also incoming Chairperson of Southern African Development Community (Sadc), has pledged to execute duties to the best of his ability when he takes over leadership of the regional body in August this year.
The current Sadc chairperson, President of Republic of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, assumed the chairmanship of the regional body in August last year.
Speaking at the 40th extraordinary summit in Mozambique yesterday, Chakwera commended the region for its continued efforts towards regional integration against all odds.
“The way we have worked together to ensure the continued facilitation of trade; the smooth transition of essential goods and services; and the seamless movement of our people in our borders in the face of Covid related travel restrictions is proof that our bond goes beyond diplomacy,” he said.
Chakwera also hailed President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Eric Masisi, for ensuring peace and stability sustained in the region in the face of emerging security challenges under his leadership as chairperson on politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The summit meeting among others discussed regional response and support to the Republic of Mozambique in addressing terrorism, regional food and nutrition, regional response to HIV and Aids and Covid pandemic.
The Sadc adopted the recommendations of the report of the chairperson of the organ on politics, defence and approved the mandate for Sadc standby force mission to the Republic of Mozambique to be deployed in support of Mozambique to combat terrorism and acts of violence.
The Heads of State also agreed to enhance Sadc region and national capacity in research and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and other essential drugs and medicine and promotion of traditional alternative medicine and development of vaccines.
