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Thursday 17 September 2009

Scotland and Malawi celebrate 150 year relationship

The event - organised by the University and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow - will highlight David Livingstone's arrival on the shores of Lake Malawi on 17 September 1859. The explorer and medical missionary's work began a longstanding relationship between the two countries that has led to scores of academic, medical, engineering and science collaborations.

(Media-Newswire.com) - Former First Minister Jack McConnell will give a keynote address at the University tonight ( 17 September ) to mark the 150th anniversary of Scotland's links with Malawi.

The event - organised by the University and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow - will highlight David Livingstone's arrival on the shores of Lake Malawi on 17 September 1859. The explorer and medical missionary's work began a longstanding relationship between the two countries that has led to scores of academic, medical, engineering and science collaborations.


The relationship was formalised in November 2005, when the former First Minister signed a cooperation agreement with His Excellency President Bingu wa Mutharika, where the two countries promised to work together.


Mr McConnell said: "David Livingstone did not live to realise his dream that Africa should join "the family of nations", but generations of Scots shared his passion for justice and right.


"It was this shared history, this unfailing friendship between two small countries that convinced me as First Minister that Scotland and Malawi could move beyond the traditional donor-client model of development and develop a distinctive relationship. It is a relationship based on mutual solidarity and respect, not handouts and subservience.


"Generations of Scots have shown that we all have a responsibility - and the ability - to make a difference. Each one of us can contribute to Malawi's development. And by contributing to Malawi's development we are contributing to our understanding of how the world works."


Dr Peter West, Secretary to the University and Chairman of the Scotland-Malawi Partnership, said: "We are delighted to be hosting this celebration of Scotland's long-standing and important relationship with Malawi.


"As an alumnus of Anderson's College - which later became Strathclyde, David Livingstone began an important academic link which is very much alive today. The University's Malawi Millennium Project has played a key role in training the country's future teachers, nurses, scientists and engineers.


"The new partnership between Scotland and Malawi has grown directly out of this project and is helping support economic growth and building the skills and capacity of Malawi to help it grow and prosper.


"The work that is being carried by Malawians and Scots is making a significant contribution to the fight against poverty."


Speakers at the event will include Dr James Miller, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, on its work with Malawi, past, present and future, and Rev David Lunan, Former Moderator of the Church of Scotland, on the 150th anniversary celebrations in Malawi.

Dr Miller said: "Working to improve health and healthcare throughout the world is part of the College's mission. Our skills and expertise are within education and training. We are currently working with health professionals to develop their skills as part of our sustainable programme of development."


For more information about Scotland's links with Malawi, visit: http://www.scotland-malawipartnership.org/

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