By CHUSA SICHONE –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says it is Government’s wish that Zambia and Malawi continue collaborating in areas of economic and political interest.

. Mutharika

And Malawian President Peter Mutharika has thanked Zambia for coming to Malawi’s aid by providing 30,000 litres of fuel during the funeral of his brother Bingu Wa Mutharika, who was Malawian President.
On relations, President Lungu said Government cherished the warm relations that existed between Zambia and Malawi.
He was speaking during a State Banquet in honour of Malawian President Peter Mutharika at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Friday evening.
The relations between the two countries were deeply rooted in their shared cultural and political history and were further strengthened by high level interaction like at the African Union, COMESA, SADC, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Commonwealth.
President Lungu observed that the relations between Zambia and Malawi transcended beyond their common border to the international arena where they shared common views and positions.
“There is need for our two countries to continue engaging with each other and explore ways of expanding trade and other forms of contacts such as bilateral agreements in the framework of the already existing Joint Permanent Commission (JPC).
“This framework enables our two countries to review the existing cooperation between Zambia and Malawi. Out of this cooperation, our two countries have signed an agreement on the Trans Frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) Treaty,” President Lungu said.
Professor Mutharika was pleased that Zambia and Malawi had achieved a lot in economic and political spheres and that Zambia’s economy had been performing well as evidenced by its attainment of Middle Income status, the feat he desired for his country as well.
Prof Mutharika said his desire was to see the warm bilateral relations continue growing from strength to strength.
Professor Mutharika said Zambia was a model in the mining sector and his country was going to send mining students to Zambia to learn from the latter country’s vast experience.
“Malawi is in the process of diversifying its economy to move into mining and Zambia has vast experience in this sector,” he said.
President Mutharika was also confident that projects such as that under the Nacala Corridor Agreement would benefit both countries such as reducing transportation costs, enhancing cooperation and regional integration once completed.