Kenya and Malawi have resolved to establish resident Diplomatic Missions in Lilongwe and Nairobi as a matter of priority as a commitment to strengthening and consolidating the bilateral relations enjoyed by the two countries.
President Mwai Kibaki and his Malawian counterpart President Joyce Banda directed the relevant government agencies in the two countries to, as a matter of priority, work out modalities of opening the resident diplomatic missions without further delay.
The two principals, in a joint communique released in Lilongwe at the conclusion of a two day state visit to Malawi by President Mwai Kibaki, also appreciated the excellent ties of friendship and cooperation that existed between their respective countries and peoples.
The two Heads of State directed their respective Ministers for Foreign Affairs to convene regular sessions of the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (JPCC) as required, the next one being in Nairobi.
The Heads of State were further in agreement that the conclusion of Memoranda of Understanding and other Agreements in key sectors as outlined in the minutes of the second session of the JPCC was imperative to enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
On regional security, the two Principals reaffirmed their total commitment to working together in promoting peace and security for sustainable development of the African continent.
During bilateral talks with the host President Banda, President Kibaki lauded Malawi’s commitment to finding lasting solutions to regional security challenges and in particular, its contribution of troops to the
United Nations peace keeping missions in Cote d’Ivoire and other countries.
The President also commended the decision by Malawi and Tanzania to peacefully resolve their dispute over the boundary between the two countries along Lake Malawi, through the mediation of the Forum of Former African Heads of State and Governments, under the Chairmanship the former President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano.
The two Heads of State, in particular, recognized the need for cooperation in the area of cooperatives development under the JPCC framework, and directed the relevant ministers to urgently convene and agree on areas of cooperation.
The Communique, read by the Principal Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Malawi Mr. Patrick Kabambe, emphasised on agricultural and livestock sectors, technical assistance, training and exchange programmes in cooperatives management among other areas of cooperation.
The principals further directed their respective Civil Aviation Authorities to meet immediately and work out modalities to remove impediments to the full implementation of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the two countries.
On her part, President Banda commended Kenya for playing a leading role in the pacification of Somalia.
President Kibaki was accompanied on the state visit by cabinet ministers Prof Sam Ongeri and Joseph Nyagah and Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai among senior government officials.
