Kibaki in Malawi for bilateral talks

President Kibaki arrived in Malawi on Wednesday for a three-day official visit during which he is expected to hold trade and bilateral talks with his counterpart, Mrs Joyce Banda.

The two presidents are also expected to discuss the reopening of the Malawi High Commission in Kenya, which was closed a decade ago.

President Banda and Vice-President Khumbo Kachale led jubilant Malawians in welcoming the Kenyan leader.

President Kibaki told an impromptu Press conference at the airport that his visit was important as the two countries had always been good friends.

“You will come to know the reasons why I am here. We will keep you informed,” he said in answer to a question about the importance of his visit.

Presidential spokesperson Steve Nhlane said among other things, President Kibaki is expected to lay a wreath at the mausoleum of Malawi’s first president, Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda. He will also lay a foundation stone for a bypass road.

President Banda recently announced plans to reopen her high commission in Nairobi. The offices were closed 10 years ago but the property and structures are intact.

President Kibaki is the third African leader to visit Malawi since Mrs Banda took office. The other are Nigeria’s Goodluck Jonathan and Benin President Yayi Boni.

President Kibaki was last in Malawi in 2012 for the burial of President Bingu wa Mutharika.