Malawi government re-opened its High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya on Friday after a closure in 2005, officials have announced.

“Brigadier General Marcel Chirwa, who has been appointed by Government as Malawi’s Deputy High Commissioner for Kenya, will be in charge of the Mission until the appointment of a High Commissioner in due course,” read a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Malawi and Kenya established their diplomatic relations in 1964, and since then the relations have continued to grow from strength to strength.

“The two Governments cooperate in a number of areas under a Joint Permanent Commission of Cooperation (JPCC) established in 2002. The re-opening of its Diplomatic Mission in Nairobi, that was closed in 2005, will further cement the bonds of friendship existing between the two Governments,” read the statement further.

Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki visited Malawi early this year, and discussed trade and bilateral ties with Malawi’s President Joyce Banda.

While in Malawi, Kibaki affirmed that he looks forward to strengthening the diplomatic relationship between Malawi and Kenya.

Kibaki said the relationship between the two countries is historical and that his country has been very friendly to all the past regimes in Malawi; it is a great pleasure for him and his country to be friendly to President Joyce Banda.

“The relationship between Malawi and Kenya is very beautiful and we want to develop closer ties and understanding with Malawi,” said Kibaki in the capital after he was conferred citizenship of Lilongwe city.

The Kenyan President said he felt greatly honored to be in Malawi because he had always wanted to do so before he bows out as Kenyan President in March.

“After I came to Malawi to attend the funeral (of President Bingu Mutharika) I had always wanted to come and visit President Joyce Banda and I am very happy to have fulfilled this,” he said, adding the entire Kenyan delegation accompanying him would take home the pride and honor that they have been accorded by their Malawi counterparts.