Iceland Government pledges additional support for Malawi

Iceland Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson, on Thursday concluded his five day state visit to Malawi with commitment to further strengthen bilateral relationship with Malawi.

Speaking a press conference at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iceland, said his Government was fully satisfied with the way how Malawi has used the money.

Benediktsson said his government will continue supporting Malawi to ensure that the gains that have been registered so far are sustained.

He said he was pleased to see the tangible results of his country’s cooperation with Malawi.

He explained that his visit was an opportunity to show appreciation for the long-time relationship with Malawi.

“We are so proud of our partnership with Malawi. We are committed to continue supporting the people of Malawi,” said the prime minister.

In his remarks, His Excellency, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi, said he invited Benediktsson to Malawi to personally express his profound appreciation and that of this Government and the people of this country, for the unwavering support that Iceland has provided to Malawi.

“Secondly, I wanted His Excellency the Prime Minister to commemorate with us the 35 years of fruitful friendship and development cooperation between our two countries. Thirdly, I wanted him to see, for himself, the tremendous impact that the money from the taxpayers of Iceland is making in Malawi as a result of the unique and targeted approach his country has adopted in Malawi, which receives more development support from Iceland than any other country. I am pleased to report that all three objectives for this visit have been achieved,” said Chakwera.

Making a communique at the end of his five-day official visit to Malawi, the two countries have committed to continue strengthening the cordial bilateral relations existing between the Republic of Malawi and the Republic of Iceland for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The two countries have also committed themselves to working together to identify a third district to benefit from the support from Iceland. Currently, the Iceland Government is providing support to the two districts of Mangochi and Nkhotakota in the areas of education and health.

According to the communique, Iceland has committed to supporting the Mangochi Basic Support Programme Exit Phase.