Links with Malawi strengthened

Scotland's links with Malawi have been further strengthed this week, as the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, Linda Fabiani visits Malawi for the first time since taking office.

The Minister has met with ministerial colleagues in the Government of Malawi to reaffirm the Scottish Government's continued support for the country and discuss progress on current commitments and future priorities. Ms Fabiani said:

"This programme is not about aid. It is about people working together, strengthening the bond between our two countries.

"During this visit, I have had very fruitful discussions with my ministerial colleagues in Malawi and we have agreed that we will continue to work together to ensure that Scottish Government funds are targeted towards the priorities identified by the Government of Malawi, to develop a distinctive Scottish contribution that adds value and provides long-term outcomes."

This visit signifies the wish of both Governments to build upon this unique relationship between the two countries.

Honourable Joyce Banda, M.P. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Malawi said:

"The Government of Malawi appreciates the assistance of the Scottish Government in the areas of our Co-operation Agreement. Our two countries must work together in assessing the progress of the projects and identify the priorities within these areas."

Ms Fabiani has been meeting with her ministerial counterparts to discuss the four strands of delivery across the Co-operation Agreement. The areas of co-operation between the two governments are: civil society development and governance, sustainable economic development, health and education. The meetings highlighted the good progress that is being made on the delivery of commitments across these areas. Both Governments have agreed that it is now time to consolidate that work and to build a stronger focus within each of these four strands.

Ms Fabiani has confirmed with the Government of Malawi that a minimum of £3 million will be ringfenced for Malawi, for each year in the term of this Parliament. During her visit the Minister will visit various projects supported by the Scottish Government, Ms Fabiani said: "Also this week I will visit some of the projects funded by our International Development Fund and look forward to seeing first-hand the valuable work being done by many Scottish organisations and meeting the dedicated professionals involved. These projects not only improve the lives of many vulnerable people but also help to strengthen local services and ensure their sustainability."

Ms Fabiani, arrived in Malawi on Sunday, February 10 and will leave on Friday, February 15. She has met with various Malawian Ministers and officials during her visit including:

* Hon Joyce Banda MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs
* Hon Khumbo Kachali MP, Minister of Health
* Hon Callista Chimombo, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture
* Hon Olive Masanza, Deputy Minister of Education

Ms Fabiani will visit the following projects supported by the Scottish Government:

* Chisomo Children's Club Project, based in Blantyre - this project directly complements the Government of Malawi's efforts to ensure the education and wellbeing of street children. Recent funding from the Scottish Government will help extend the work of Chisomo into delivering Vocational Education and Training to the children in their care
* CONGOMA - This project helps Malawian NGOs build their organisational capacity to engage and lobby government and improve (both NGO and State) governance, service delivery and poverty reduction
* Mary's Meals - this project currently feeds primary school children and under-five feeding stations across Malawi
* Kamuzu College of Nursing - The goal of this project is to develop an acute care skill module that equips nurses (and other healthcare professionals) to effectively manage a wide range of patients with increasing acuity of illness

Last week, the Scottish Government announced further allocations of £677,775 to various projects in Malawi. Allocations were funded from the existing International Development budget 2007/08 and based on existing policy commitments. The latest allocations follow discussions with the Government of Malawi and will enable work to continue across all four areas of the Co-operation Agreement: civil society development, sustainable economic development, health and education.

The International Development Fund provides support to people in some of the poorest countries in the world. The Scottish Government has pledged to double the fund to £9 million over the term of this Parliament and has committed a minimum of £3 million a year to Malawi.