Power to open embassy in Malawi

LOCAL TD and Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power has travelled to Malawi where he will open a new Irish Embassy in Lilongwe later on today.

As well as presiding over the opening ceremony Minister of State Power also announced an aid package of 10 million euro in Irish Aid assistance for Malawi for 2008.

Minister of State Power said that the opening of an Embassy in Malawi considerably strengthens Irish bilateral relations and partnership in the area.

"Irish Aid will finalise a comprehensive assistance strategy early next year. This is a tribute to the commitment of the Government of Malawi to reducing poverty and it is part of our joint effort to reach the Millennium Development Goals."

He added that the 10 million euro aid package would help vulnerable communities in Malawi to respond to food insecurity and rising food prices.

"The interim package of support for 2008 is very closely aligned with Malawi’s national plan for poverty reduction. It will provide a firm foundation for a multi-year programme of support to Malawi in the years ahead and will allow the country to respond to key challenges, including in the areas of agricultural production and rural development, to help offset rising food prices," he said.

Earlier Minister of State Power had an opportunity to meet with the President of Malawi, His Excellency Bingu wa Mutharika.

Yesterday he visited Khulumgira village in Dedza District where he saw at first hand the benefit of funding from Irish taxpayers in improving food yields among vulnerable communities.