Malawi Pres. Joyce Banda jets back to thunderous welcome
Malawi President Joyce Banda on Easter Monday received a thunderous welcome when she jetted back into the country from United States.
President Banda, who earlier visited United Kingdom and Botswana before her trip to US on invitation of President Barack Obama, arrived on a South African plane at Kamuzu International Airport conspicuously in high spirits.
On arrival President Banda was received by Vice-President Khumbo Kachali, Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Hanna Ndilowe, Ministers Ralph Kasambara, Henry Phoya, Moses Kunkuyu and other senior Government officials.
The President was escorted to a saluting dias flanked by the MDF Commander, General Henry Odillo and Inspector General of Police, Loti Dzonzi to receive Guard of Honour mounted by the Malawi Defence Force and inspected the troops.
As JB walked towards the airport grounds, the crowd mostly ruling People’s Party supporters roared her name and stomped their feet and they sang songs in support of President Banda.
The President also joined PP women into a dance.
She will address a news conference at Kamuzu Palace later in the day, according to State House’s Press Officer Tusekele Mwanyongo.
Apart from meeting Obama in US, President Banda also received 25 scholarships from Alabama State University, United States of America, that will see Malawian students studying in that country during the next four years.
Earlier, President Banda addressed the UK-Malawi Trade Investment Forum was well attended by key investors in London.
Banda ascended to the presidency last April after the death of her mercurial predecessor, Bingu wa Mutharika, and immediately turned to the UK and other Western donors to resume aid which had been suspended.
During the visit, Banda met Prime Minister David Cameron, who lauded her leadership in the British Parliament. She also held discussions with the Development Secretary Justine Greening, among other leaders.
She also attended the British Parliament question-and-answer session of the Prime Minister after earlier addressing the Scottish Parliament and joining the celebrations to mark 200 years since the birth of missionary David Livingstone.
