Lt. Col. Panji Kaunda, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to Malawi, paid a courtesy call on Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Dr. George T. Chaponda, reaffirming the strong ties between the two countries. During the meeting, High Commissioner Kaunda conveyed warm congratulatory messages from His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, to His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, President of Malawi, following his victory in the September 2025 General Elections. He also relayed congratulations from Zambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Mulambo Haimbe, SC., on Minister Chaponda’s appointment.
The discussions highlighted the long-standing friendship and shared history between Zambia and Malawi. Both officials emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in critical sectors such as trade, agriculture, aquaculture, and defence training exchanges. High Commissioner Kaunda stressed the need to strengthen the Simplified Trade Regime, which supports small-scale cross-border commerce and benefits communities along the shared border.
Humanitarian and food security cooperation was a key focus of the meeting. Minister Chaponda welcomed Zambia’s continued support, including the Agreement to supply 200,000 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi. The Minister also outlined Malawi’s urgent priorities, including food, fertilizer, fuel, and foreign exchange, and expressed appreciation for Zambia’s readiness to collaborate in agriculture, commerce, and finance capacity building.
The meeting also addressed preparations for the upcoming Malawi-Zambia Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation and the Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security. Both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing shared development and security objectives. The courtesy call by High Commissioner Kaunda underscores Zambia’s proactive engagement with regional partners and its dedication to promoting trade, food security, and regional stability in Southern Africa.