What Did EAM Jaishankar Say About George Chaponda's Appointment as Malawi's Foreign Minister?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM S. Jaishankar congratulated George Chaponda on his new appointment.
- The bilateral relationship between India and Malawi is strengthening.
- Chaponda has previously served as Malawi's Foreign Minister.
- President Droupadi Murmu visited Malawi to discuss cooperation.
- Memorandum of Understanding signed during the visit covers various sectors.
New Delhi, Oct 9 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar extended his congratulations to George Chaponda on his recent appointment as Malawi's Foreign Minister. He expressed enthusiasm for enhancing bilateral cooperation between India and Malawi.
In a post on social media platform X, he stated, "I congratulate George Chaponda on his new role as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi. With his longstanding relationship with India, I am eager to strengthen our bilateral cooperation."
This congratulatory message follows the appointment made by Malawi's new President, Peter Mutharika, who appointed the seasoned member of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), George Chaponda, as Foreign Minister.
Chaponda previously held the position of Malawi's Foreign Minister during Mutharika's first term from 2014 to 2020.
After claiming victory in the presidential election on September 16, Mutharika took office on October 4.
Earlier in July, EAM Jaishankar had also congratulated the citizens of Malawi on their National Day, emphasizing that the ties between the two nations are continuously strengthening.
"I congratulate FM Nancy Tembo, the Government, and the people of Malawi on their National Day. Our relationship continues to prosper as we celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations," he noted on X.
India and Malawi enjoy a warm and amicable relationship. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reports that bilateral relations have been reinforced through regular high-level exchanges.
Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a state visit to Malawi in 2024, where she met her then-counterpart Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and engaged in fruitful discussions aimed at further enhancing the India-Malawi partnership, according to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique.
During her visit, President Murmu witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering arts and culture, youth affairs, sports, and pharmaceutical collaboration.
She also paid respects at the National War Memorial in Lilongwe, honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the World Wars and other military operations. A wreath was laid at the Kamuzu Mausoleum, the final resting place of the nation's first President, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.