Chairperson for the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security and Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba said Wednesday that he is looking forward to working closely with new Malawian leader Peter Mutharika. Pohamba said in a statement that he was looking forward to cooperating with Mutharika in promoting regional cooperation since Malawi was the current chair of SADC.

“Our common commitment is to preserve peace, promote fundamental human rights of their people, promote democracy and relentlessly advance regional integration and development agenda,” he said.

The Namibian leader added that he was also looking forward to further deepening and strengthening bilateral co-operation between two countries.

He congratulated Mutharika for his election as president of Malawi in elections held on May 20.

Pohamba commended the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), the people and political leaders in Malawi for having delivered peaceful, free and transparent fair elections that reflect the will of Malawians.