PH Seeks to Establish Closer Ties with Malawi

Philippine Ambassador to Kenya Uriel Norman R. Garibay (left) and President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika during the Presentation of Credential (Nairobi PE photo)

NAIROBI, 25 May 2018 — The Philippines is looking forward to strengthening its ties with Malawi after the African state expressed interest in cooperating in various areas, including education and tourism.

This was disclosed by Ambassador to Kenya Uriel Norman Garibay, who had just returned from Blantyre where he presented his credentials as non-resident ambassador to Malawi President Arthur Peter Mutharika.

"Both the Philippines and Malawi would want to expand their current level of engagement and we are exploring possible cooperation in the field of trade and investment, education, tourism, and governance," Ambassador Garibay said in his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano.

Ambassador Garibay said Malawi, a largely agricultural country in southeastern Africa, is also ideal for Philippine companies that may be interested in investing in aquaculture, farming, and mining.

During his presentation of credentials, Ambassador Garibay said President Mutharika gave him a hearty handshake and greeted him "Kumusta ka?"

Ambassador Garibay conveyed the warm greetings of President Rodrigo Duterte to President Mutharika and to the people of Malawi during the ceremony.

Ambassador Garibay also met with Malawi Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Emmanuel Fabiano and assured him of Manila’s readiness to work with Malawi on areas that will benefit both countries.

The Philippine envoy told Minister Fabiano it is in the interest of the two countries to forge a framework where both could discuss matters on a regular basis, such as in the context of a Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation.

During his trip to Malawi, Ambassador Garibay also visited the Blantyre Adventist Hospital and met with Filipino doctors who have been working there for more than 10 years.

There are about 41 Filipinos living in Blantyre and Lilongwe, the second major city in Malawi, which the Philippines established diplomatic ties with on 3 May 2001.

Ambassador Garibay was accompanied by Dr. Omega Garibay and Embassy Attachè Sarah Amihan-De Guzman during the visit.

Malawi is one of 11 countries under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Nairobi, which also serves as the Permanent Mission to the United Nations Environment Program and the UN Human Settlements Program. END

Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Malawi, Honorable Dr. Emmanuel Fabiano, M.P. (left) and Ambassador Uriel Norman R. Garibay (right) during his presentation of copies of credentials. (Nairobi PE photo)

For more information, visit www.nairobipe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinKenya/