Malawi, United Arab Emirates joint communiqué: Full text
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ
ISSUED AT THE END OF THE HIGH LEVEL MEETING WITH DELEGATION FROM THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
10TH TO 11TH MAY, 2013
Communiqué
Desirous to strengthen and consolidate the bilateral relations between the Governments of the Republic of Malawi and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a Delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by His Excellency Mr. Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Economic Affairs, visited Malawi from 10th to 11th May, 2013.
His Excellency Mr. Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith and his delegation arrived at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) on 10th May, 2013 and was received by Honourable Ephraim Mganda Chiume, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Malawi and other Ministers. The delegation proceeded to pay a courtesy call on His Honour the Vice President, Right Honourable Khumbo Kachali, at his residence.
During the visit, Her Excellency Dr. Joyce Banda, President of the Republic of Malawi hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting delegation which was held at the Kamuzu Palace on 10th May, 2013.
A High Level Meeting was held on 10th May, 2013, and was chaired by Honourable Ephraim Mganda Chiume, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers from the following Ministries: Finance; Justice and Constitutional Affairs; Labour; Industry and Trade; Energy and Economic Planning and Development. The Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development also attended the meeting. The following Government institutions also attended the meeting: Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi; Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority; National Oil Company of Malawi; and National Roads Authority.
During the meeting, both sides acknowledged the existing cordial bilateral relations existing between the two nations, which date back 1996 and stressed on ways of further strengthening the relations for the mutual benefit of both countries. It was agreed that the two sides would shortly conclude agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in various sectors. The United Arab Emirates will submit to Malawi the following Agreements: Technical Cooperation; Economic Cooperation; Avoidance of Double Taxation; Protection and Promotion of Investment; Labour; and Bilateral Air Services.
In his statement, the Minister of Industry and Trade, highlighted trade and investment opportunities in Malawi. The Malawi Investment and Trade Center (MITC) also made a presentation on investment climate and opportunities in Malawi. The Ministries of Finance and Mining also made presentations on economic situation as well as the mining sector in Malawi and the need for companies in the United Arab Emirates to come and invest in Malawi. The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) also briefed the meeting on the electricity generation capacity in Malawi and the need for more investment in this area in order to meet the electricity demand, which is currently suppressed due to low generation capacity.
In their response, representatives from Mubadala Petroleum, Taqa, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Ducab explained the status of their investments in neighbouring countries as well as other parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. They expressed their readiness to invest in these areas, once all the formalities are finalized.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Honourable Ephraim Mganda Chiume expressed gratitude for the fruitful deliberations during the meeting.
On his part, His Excellency Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and proper coordination of the visit. He stressed that their coming was the beginning of ongoing consultations, and another delegation will come in the near future to engage with the Private Sector in Malawi. He also urged members to provide contact details with each other in order to provide room fo further follow-up.
His Excellency Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith and his delegation departed on 11th May, 2013.
Issued at Lilongwe, Malawi
11th May, 2013
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