China's first ambassador to Malawi presents credentials to president

LUSAKA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- China's first ambassador to Malawi Lin Songtian Friday presented his letter of credentials to Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika in the capital of Lilongwe.

Lin is the first Chinese ambassador to the African country after it severed its 42-year ties with Taiwan earlier this year. Malawi and China announced on Jan. 14 that the two countries had formalized relations at the end of 2007 with the signing of a joint communique during the official visit to Beijing by Davis Katsonga, a special envoy of the Malawian president.

After the presentation of credentials, President Mutharika told Lin that he is satisfied with the progress made since the establishment of bilateral ties. His government is looking forward to cooperation with China in fields like agriculture and infrastructure.

Mutharika asked the ambassador to convey his sincere condolences to the Chinese victims in the 8.0-magnitude quake that struck southwest China's Sichuan province on May 12.

He also commended the immediate and massive relief efforts by the Chinese government, believing that the Chinese people will soon recover from the disaster.

Lin Songtian appreciated Mutharika's sympathy for the Chinese people.

He said the two countries have made substantial achievements since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The Chinese government is willing to enhance cooperation with Malawi for a sound relationship, the ambassador added.