At the Dialogue, both parties committed to continue to strengthen cooperation and address common challenges such as promotion of democracy, rule of law, good governance and human rights. The EU and Malawi underlined the importance of cooperation as equal partners and looked forward to advancing their mutually beneficial partnership.

The dialogue was followed by an audience with His Excellency Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi.

In her remarks, Honorable Nancy Tembo, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Malawi’s strong commitment to the long-lasting partnership with the EU. She highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in addressing shared priorities such as governance, economic growth, and climate resilience. The Honorable Minister also acknowledged the EU’s unwavering support in fostering Malawi’s development goals, particularly through investments in infrastructure, democratic governance, and private sector growth. Honorable Tembo underscored Malawi’s commitment to delivering on the outcomes of the dialogue.

Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service, said “the partnership between Malawi and the EU reflects a shared vision for a peaceful, stable, and inclusive global order. I deeply value Malawi’s dedication to upholding these principles, which are essential for a future where mutual respect guide international relations.”

The delegation of the Government of Malawi was led by Honourable Nancy Tembo, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs, who was accompanied by Honourable Simplex Chithyola Banda, M.P, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Honourable Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism, Honourable Ibrahim Matola, Minister of Energy, Honourable Jacob Hara M.P., Minister of Transport and Public Works and Honourable Owen Chomanika, M.P., Deputy Minister of Local Government, the Attorney General and senior government officials from various departments and agencies.

On the side of the European Union, the Dialogue was co-chaired by Ms. Rita Laranjinha, Managing Director for Africa at the European External Action Service, who was accompanied by Ms. Myriam Ferran, Deputy Director-General at the European Commission, His Excellency Mr. Rune Skinnebach, EU Ambassador to Malawi; Her Excellency Ms. Ute König, Ambassador of Germany; Her Excellency Ms. Kate Brady, Ambassador of Ireland; His Excellency Mr. Christian Fellner, Ambassador of Austria; His Excellency Mr. Pavel Prochazka, Ambassador of Czech Republic; Her Excellency Ms. Saana Halinen, Ambassador of Finland, His Excellency Mr. David Martinon, Ambassador of France; Her Excellency Dr.  Margret Verwijk, Ambassador of the Netherlands; Her Excellency Ms. Natividad Isabel Pena-Bonilla, Ambassador of Spain; His Excellency Mr. Per Lindgarde, Ambassador of Sweden; Mr. Laurijn van Steenbergen, Flanders Diplomatic Representative, Embassy of Belgium, and senior officials from the Luxemburg Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union Delegation to Malawi.

The meeting, which was characterized by the high level of mutual trust, candid and strong engagement from the two partnering parties, coincided with the first Malawi-EU Investment Forum, highlighting opportunities and challenges for boosting foreign investment, business and the private sector Malawi, under the Global Gateway Strategy.

Partnership Dialogue meetings are held twice a year at the highest political levels, and allows Malawi and European Union to exchange views on issues of common interest and agree on priorities for the bilateral, regional and multilateral agenda. Among the issues covered at this meeting, were democracy and human rights, multilateral and regional developments, the political, governance and economic situation in Malawi, and the EU’s investments in Malawi’s energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture and education, through the Global Gateway

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