Malawi assumes SADC Chairmanship: Malawi has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Committee (SADC) at the ongoing 33rd ordinary summit of the regional blocs’ heads of state and government in Lilongwe, Malawi. The incoming chairperson of SADC who is also Malawian President Dr Joice Banda has commended Zimbabwe for holding free, fair and credible elections which were held in line with the SADC principles governing the conduct of democratic elections. The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Robert Mugabe is among the regional leaders or their representatives attending the summit. In her acceptance speech after the ceremonial handover of the SADC chairperson badge by the outgoing chair, Cde Armando Guebuza, Dr Banda said there is need for the African countries to forge partnerships with the private sector for sustainable economic development. She said the growth of the region is premised on agriculture and as such more support should be given to farmers to enhance regional food security. Dr Banda said the implementation of the SADC Free Trade Area and free movement of people should be done quickly to enhance trade relations amongst the member states. The incoming SADC chairperson said infrastructure development is critical towards socio-economic growth; hence the region is aiming for an efficient, seamless and cost-effective trans-boundary infrastructure network at the national and regional levels. On the political situation in the region, Dr Banda said the region should unite in ending the conflicts in the DRC and Madagascar as peace is critical for development. Dr Banda commended the regional leaders for promoting the empowerment of women through giving them equal opportunities in leadership positions. Meanwhile, Namibian President Cde Hifikepunye Pohamba takes over as the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Security and Defence from Tanzanian President Mr Jakaya Kikwete. The summit will also appoint new leadership for the secretariat as the tenure of office for Dr Tomaz Salamao comes to an end. The summit which ends tomorrow (Saturday) is expected to release a communiqué detailing agreements and recommendations that will guide the operations of the regional grouping for the next year.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 15:41:24 +0000
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