Lilongwe, Malawi – Honourable Nancy Tembo, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi, attended Norway’s Constitutional Day as the Guest of Honour at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence on May 17, 2023. The event served as a platform to express gratitude for Norway’s support towards Malawi’s development, particularly in the context of Malawi 2063, and the country’s recovery efforts after the devastating Cyclone Freddy. The celebration highlighted the common values shared by the two nations in promoting human rights and democratic governance, with a focus on harnessing the potential of Malawi’s youth for sustainable development.
Minister Tembo expressed her appreciation for Norway’s unwavering support towards Malawi’s development initiatives during her remarks. She acknowledged the vital role played by Norway in the progress of Malawi 2063, the nation’s long-term development vision. Furthermore, the Minister expressed gratitude for Norway’s emergency humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which had a profound impact on the country.
The strong bilateral relations between Malawi and Norway were highlighted by Minister Tembo, who emphasized the significance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. She expressed optimism that the partnership between the two nations would continue to flourish and contribute to the progress of both countries.
Her Excellency Ingrid Midkelsen, the Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi, echoed Minister Tembo’s sentiments and emphasized the shared values between the two nations in promoting human rights and democratic governance. Ambassador Midkelsen recognized the potential of Malawi’s youth, who make up more than half of the population, to play a pivotal role in the realization of Malawi 2063. She pledged Norway’s support in harnessing the youth’s potential and facilitating their contribution to the country’s sustainable development.
The Constitutional Day celebration was attended by dignitaries, diplomats, government officials, and representatives from various sectors, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and collaboration opportunities. The event took place at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence, which provided an elegant backdrop symbolizing the strong ties between Malawi and Norway.
Discussions during the celebration focused on strengthening collaboration in diverse sectors such as trade, investment, education, and technology transfer. Both nations expressed their commitment to working together towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligning with Malawi’s focus on Malawi 2063 and Norway’s dedication to sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
Minister Tembo expressed her gratitude to Ambassador Midkelsen and the Norwegian Embassy for hosting the event, emphasizing Malawi’s dedication to fostering stronger ties with Norway and other international partners. The Minister underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development and improving the lives of Malawians.
The Constitutional Day celebration not only honored Norway’s democratic values but also highlighted the unwavering friendship and cooperation between Malawi and Norway. The commitment demonstrated by both countries during the event sets the stage for continued collaboration and shared progress towards a brighter future for their respective nations.
