Malawi and the European Union hold Partnership Dialogue

Malawi and the European Union hold Partnership Dialogue

The fourth Partnership Dialogue between the European Union (EU) and its Member States and the Government of Malawi under the Samoa Agreement - the Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) - took place on 16 April 2026 at the Bingu wa Mutharika International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe.

The event served to mark the 50^th anniversary of the fruitful partnership between Malawi and the European Union.

The exchanges, wide-ranging and forward-looking, revolved around matters of common interest, such as priorities for the future of the Malawi-EU Partnership, new EU investments and projects under the Global Gateway banner in such areas as Energy and Transport Infrastructure, Education and Agriculture, and regional and international developments. Both sides also discussed the outcomes of the recent AU-EU Summit, the COP30 meeting, and Malawi's 4^th Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which were all held in late 2025.

In an international context characterized by a high degree of uncertainty and volatility, Malawi and the European Union emphasized the importance of their strong, continued Partnership, of supporting multilateralism, notably through UN fora, and upholding their common values.

Malawi and the EU renewed their shared commitment to addressing issues such as the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, sound political and economic governance, upholding human rights and investing in development. Both sides are committed to a continued, closer cooperation.

In his remarks, Honorable Dr. George T. Chaponda, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said- "Malawi welcomes the continued engagement with European Union through this Partnership Dialogue, which provides a valuable platform to strengthen cooperation in priority areas of mutual interest. The Government remains committed to translating this partnership into concrete outcomes that support economic recovery, promote inclusive growth, and improve the livelihoods of Malawians."

Speaking at the meeting, His Excellency Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, EU Ambassador to Malawi, said "The EU and its Member States are reliable, trustworthy and consequential partners for Malawi in a wide range of areas that are aligned to Malawi Vision 2063, including key infrastructure such as the M1

Road, Mpatamanga Hydropower Station, Secondary Education and Vocational Training as well as agricultural value chains, mining and social protection. The EU Ambassador also addressed the Russian invasion of Ukraine and debriefed on the recent international conference on Sudan. In 2026 we are proud to celebrate 50 years of our Partnership and look forward to further developing our relationship and working together in furtherance of our common values and aspirations."

The delegation of the Government of Malawi was led by Honourable Dr. George T. Chaponda, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, who was accompanied by Honourable Simon Itaye, Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade, and Tourism, Honourable Charles Mhango, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable Chipiliro Mpinganjira, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and senior government officials from various ministries, departments and agencies.

On the side of the European Union, the Dialogue was co-chaired by His Excellency Daniel Aristi Gaztelumendi, EU Ambassador to Malawi, who was accompanied by Her Excellency Saana Halinen, Ambassador of Finland, His Excellency Per Lindgärde, Ambassador of Sweden, His Excellency Dr. Stefan Scholz, Director at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vienna, Mr Sergiusz Wolski, Chargé d'Affaires of Poland, Mr Martin Deroover, Deputy Ambassador of Belgium, Mr Benjamin Cabouat, Deputy Ambassador of France, Mr Andreas Hartmann, Deputy Ambassador of Germany, Mr Ronan Sweeney, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland, Mr. Laurijn van Steenbergen, Flanders Diplomatic Representative, Embassy of Belgium, plus officials from the Embassies of France and Ireland and from the European Union Delegation to Malawi.

Partnership Dialogue meetings are held twice every year at the highest political levels and allow Malawi and the European Union to exchange views on issues of common interest and agree on priorities for the bilateral, regional and multilateral agenda.