By Patricia Kapulula

Lilongwe, April 27, Mana: Malawi, Zambia and the North Carolina National Guard, courtesy of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP), have signed the first ever trilateral partnership agreement at a ceremony that took place at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Saturday.

President Lazarus Chakwera hailed the agreement, saying it will enhance cooperation for the benefit of the people in the two countries.

“Malawi has been working with the United States in a number of areas such as health, infrastructure development, disaster management, governance, diplomacy, peace and security. This partnership is important as it will extend the already existing relationship,” he said.

Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire said the partnership is not only about defence but goes beyond several sectors like agriculture and health for the benefit of the people.

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander Paul Valentino Phiri said the partnership is an opportunity for MDF to boost capacity building and vital equipment to strengthen defence infrastructure.

“This cooperation will provide an opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills in cyber security, as well as search and rescue operation, among others. It will also enhance innovation in the realm of security and defence,” said Mkandawire.

North Carolina National Guard Adjutant General Todd Hunt said the cooperation will go a long way in teaching best practices and techniques in the military.

Since its inception in 1993, SPP has been a cornerstone of US security cooperation efforts around the world.

Malawi and Zambia join over 100 other partners with National Guard Units of all 54 American states and territories.