His Excellency the State President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, on Tuesday received letters of credence from the new Zambia High Commission to Malawi, His Excellency Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Panji Kaunda.

During his official interaction with President Chakwera, the new envoy reiterated the need for the two countries to build on their already-strong diplomatic relations in creating opportunities for Malawians and Zambians in equal measure.

Writing on his official communication channels, President Chakwera, tied the success of the relations between the two countries to the political, economic and social and historic contexts.

“I am pleased that Malawi’s relations with Zambia continue to thrive since we both shared the struggle for independence from the late 50s and achieved our feat in the early 60s. Save for the colonial boundaries imposed on us decades ago, the two countries share striking historic similarities in many aspects that make our social, cultural and lingual cohesion even more pronounced,” wrote the President.

He noted that the aforementioned similarities are key factors that help the two economies to exploit opportunities through trade, investment, tourism, cultural and education exchanges.  

“While both countries sit far from costal access, we have resolved to use the existing trade routes like Sena, Mtwara and Nacala Corridors to enhance economic growth. We will in that regard facilitate meaningful trade exchanges by continuing with the one-border post projects, road, railway and aviation networks between the two countries.”

High Commissioner Kaunda was appointed in May this year by President Hakainde Hichilema.