CAIRO, Dec 21 (MENA) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said Cairo is keen to strengthen cooperation with Malawi’s new government in implementing its development plans and projects, helping the country address its challenges.
Abdelatty made the remarks during a meeting with Malawi’s Foreign Minister George Chaponda on the sidelines of the Russian–African ministerial conference. The talks addressed ways to bolster bilateral relations and coordinate on issues of mutual interest.
Abdelatty congratulated his Malawian counterpart on assuming office in October 2025. He stressed the importance of convening a round of political consultations at the earliest opportunity to pave the way for the first meeting of the joint high committee.
He underscored Egypt’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s development process not only through capacity-building programs and training courses, but also by encouraging greater engagement by Egyptian private sector companies in the Malawian market.
The Egyptian foreign minister highlighted the importance of Egyptian companies’ participation in development projects and of leveraging Egypt’s expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure.
He said Cairo is considering arranging a visit by a delegation of public- and private-sector companies to explore opportunities in Malawi, particularly in infrastructure development and hydropower dams.
Abdelatty welcomed Malawi’s request to benefit from Egyptian expertise in modern irrigation systems, advanced agricultural practices and fertilizers.
He also stressed Egypt’s interest in facilitating the availability of high-quality, competitively priced Egyptian pharmaceutical and health products in Malawi, in addition to promoting Egypt’s capabilities in medical tourism.
He further underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in mining, in light of Malawi’s opening of the sector to foreign investment, and called for strengthening economic and trade ties, especially in fertilizers, agriculture and irrigation.
He said both sides should explore increasing trade volumes, including through the possible exchange of Egyptian fertilizers for Malawian goods.
Abdelatty also highlighted the importance of studying the establishment of a direct air link between Cairo and Lilongwe, and the potential participation of Egyptian companies in the rehabilitation of Kamuzu International Airport in the Malawian capital.
He noted the success of the first and second meetings of the joint military committee and stressed the continued role of the Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development in supporting and building Malawian capacities across various sectors.
On regional and multilateral cooperation, Abdelatty stressed the need for coordination and consultation on African issues, particularly institutional reform of the African Union, describing it as essential to enhancing the effectiveness of its bodies.
He said reform should be methodical, gradual and inclusive, with the participation of all member states.
The two ministers also exchanged views on ways to promote stability, peace and security across the African continent.
