Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi Government and European Union (EU) leaders Thursday engaged each other on issues such as the Russia- Ukraine war, democracy and human rights as well as political and business climate.
A joint statement which the Malawi Government and EU released Thursday indicates that the event was part of the bi-annual political dialogue meeting on a range of issues of mutual interest.
The discussion, which was hosted by the EU, was attended by Malawi’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nancy Tembo, Justice Minister Titus Mvalo, Natural Resources and Climate Change Minister Eisenhower Mkaka, Trade and Industry Minister Mark Katsonga Phiri, Transport Deputy Minister Nancy Chaola Mdooko, National Planning Commission Director General Thomas Munthali and officials from government ministries, departments and agencies.
The Delegation on the side of the EU was led by the EU Ambassador to Malawi Rune Skinnebach, who was accompanied by Ralph Timmermann, who is the Ambassador of Germany, Seamus O’Grady, Ambassador of Ireland, Saana Halinen, Ambassador of Finland, Margret Verwijk, Ambassador of the Netherlands, Miguel Calheiros Veloz, Ambassador of Portugal, Fanny Heylen, Head of Cooperation for Belgium, Václav Kuželka, Deputy Ambassador of the Czech Republic, Diego Calatayud, Deputy Ambassador of Spain, Martin Jörnrud, Deputy Ambassador of Sweden, and officials from the EU Delegation in Malawi.
“The political dialogue addressed a series of topics relating to: Common values and positions on geo-political developments focusing on Russian aggression in Ukraine and regional developments, and a shared assessment of outcomes of CoP [Conference of the Parties] 27; democracy and human rights with a focus on access to justice and anti-corruption efforts and achievements; political and economic situation, including prospects for an IMF [International Monetary Fund] Extended Credit Facility.
“[Others are] reforms to the business climate and investment environment, agriculture, exports, cross-border trade under AfCFTA, and reinforcing synergies with the EU’s Global Gateway. The two sides, lastly, discussed partnership for development focusing on EU exploration of budget support,” the statement reads.
Speaking at the meeting, Tembo said “the discussion on the possibility of resuming direct budgetary support underlines the recognition and appreciation by the EU on the progress which the government is making in the field of governance and public financial management, among others”.
On his part, Skinnebach expressed hope that the meeting would help Malawi and the EU address common challenges. “I am heartened by the shared perspectives on many aspects covered by the dialogue, and I am confident that the strong and long-lasting partnership between Malawi and the European Union constitutes a solid foundation for pursuing our shared strategic priorities,” Skinnebach said.
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