By Sellah Singini

Lilongwe, September 1, Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Sunday morning left for China to attend the Fourth Summit meeting of the Forum on China- Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which will be held on 4th and 5th September in Beijing, China.

In an interview at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) President Chakwera said the summit is crucial, as it will strengthen bilateral relations between Malawi and China as well as bolstering Malawi’s infrastructure development and Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM) strategy.

"We have outlined several issues that we will discuss with China since China has committed itself to the development of this country,” he said.

Apart from the summit, Chakwera will hold bilateral talks with the president of China Xi Jinping.

The talks are expected to strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between Malawi and China and further enhance Malawi - China cooperation in various transport infrastructure projects.

During the summit, President Chakwera, will join other African Heads of State and Government to consider and adopt the 2025-2027 Beijing FOCAC Plan of Action, which will guide China- Africa engagements in various sectors for the next three years.

President Chakwera and Madam Monica Chakwera were seen off by Vice President Michael Usi, some cabinet ministers and other government officials.

The President is expected to return to Malawi on 7th September through Chileka International Airport.