The Chinese Embassy in Malawi has donated 33 tons of maize flour to the people from T/A Kalumbu in Lilongwe.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the donation, Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Wang Hao said the donation is a response to President Lazarus Chakwera call of support from international partners.
“In the past several years, due to the natural disasters and other factors, food production in Malawi has suffered a severe impact and is facing a serious food security crisis. Especially in recent period, the ongoing El Nino conditions has caused huge damage to food production in many districts of Malawi, and nearly 2 million farming households have been affected. As we all know, Malawi is an agricultural country, and the government has put agriculture and food security as top priority of economic development.
“China appreciates the efforts made by the Malawian government under the leadership of President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera to respond to natural disasters and address people’s need on food. China is the true friend and sincere partner of African countries, including Malawi. The Chinese government and people feel the pain of our Malawian friends, and would like to play our part in addressing the food crisis. In response to President Chakwera’s call, the Chinese Embassy will donate 33 tons of maize flour worth 42.835 million Kwacha, hoping to help out the local households of urgent need.
“In September this year, President Dr. Chakwera led a delegation to attend the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This is the second time that the two heads of state meet face-to-face, pointing out the direction for the development of China-Malawi relations. Thanks to the guidance of the two Presidents and the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Malawi relations has been elevated to a new historical height and upgraded to “Strategic Partnership”.
“There is an old Chinese which goes like Timely help is like sending charcoal in snowy weather”. Today’s food donation to the people in hunger is another real reflection of our strong relationship. We believe that China-Malawi friendly cooperation will surely continue to deepen from the new starting point to promote common development and benefit our two peoples,” he said
Commissioner for the Department of Disaster Management Affairs, Charles Kalemba said the support will go a long way to assist those affected by hunger.
He said the department has put in place various interventions to address hunger in the country.
Kalemba further urged farmers to start practicing irrigation farming other than relying on rain fed agriculture.
