Scotland Commends Pres Mutharika For Tackling Early Marriages, Human Trafficking

The Scottish Government has commended Malawi President Professor Peter Mutharika for number of efforts he is doing in making sure that the country tackles issues of early marriages and human trafficking.

The visiting Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf congratulated Mutharika and his government at Kamuzu Palace in Malawi’s Capital Lilongwe before holding bilateral talks in camera on areas of aide and trade and investment.

“We noted with great happiness, your own personal resolve to tackle some of the social issues in Malawi particularly on early child marriage. And we noted many of the success you had on this with the passing of the Marriage, Divorce, Family Relations Act and even the personal stance you have taken against Human Trafficking as well.” Said Yousaf

He said “So we applaud you and salute you in these efforts and we say that Scotland standby with you as a partner as strongly as we did 156 year ago”

In an interview the Scottish Minister underlined that social reforms pursued by President Mutharika are as important as economic reforms.

“That’s only through a just society only, if you reduce inequality can you have a prosperous economy. We believe that in Scotland and I believe that for Malawi. So, ending child marriages, taking important steps against human trafficking, these things are incredibly important.” He said

Yousaf, however, asked Malawi to further improve such reforms and address Gender Equality gaps.

“One of the biggest reforms not just for Malawi but for across the world is the gender equality gap. In Scotland we also suffer from gender inequality and we are trying to make steps to improve how to get women into the work force.

Women make up 52 % of population and make no sense to have 52% of the population not in the work force. So I think one of the biggest social reforms still for Malawi, for Scotland, for most countries is trying to reduce the gender equality gap and that is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. So, we will work with Malawi on that far” said the Scottish minister

The Scottish Minister further promised that his government will continue to be Malawi’s partner in such issues and that it is ready to provide assistance whenever it is needed.

Under president Peter government, the Malawi National Assembly passed two important legislations which protects girl child; Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations Act on 12 February, 2015, and Trafficking in Persons Act on 25th February 2015. Furthermore, President Mutharika on 26th February, 2015 he signed for the He for She campaign which promotes gender equality and call to end gender based violence.

Scotland To Support Malawi Marketing Investment Opportunities

Government of Scotland says will market investment opportunities that exist in Malawi to Scottish companies.

Minister for Europe and International Development Humza Yousaf was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Malawi's Capital Lilongwe during his meeting with President Peter Mutharika.

Speaking before the meeting was held in camera, the Scottish Minister  said his visit seek to cement cordial relationship that exist between the two countries and also wants to discuss and explore how Scotland can continue with its aid and development activities to ensure that the poorest are benefiting more.

He also mentioned that one of his very important agenda in is to explore on trade and investment "I am here to give assurance that Scotland is very keen to take forward our relationship with Malawi not just on aid but also on trade."

"Am pleased that we have  a number of investors and entrepreneurs in Scotland who your Honorable Minister on his last visit he met and are still be keen to invest in Malawi" he said

Later, in an interview, the Scottish Minister further emphasized that he wants to explore how his country can assist with Trade and Investment, get Scottish companies to come to Malawi to invest and help local entrepreneurship and create local jobs and local wealth.

"I think what needs to be done is to talking to companies in Scotland and in UK to tell them very clearly what the opportunities are, and what the investment return will be as well." Said Yuousaf, "So I would encourage president of Malawi and Malawi Government to come to Scotland to come to UK, talk to companies and tell them opportunities that exists." He said

He indicated companies in Scotland will be interested to invest in number of areas especially in in Agro-business and in renewable energy.

Among others Yousaf said his visit will include knowing from Malawi how relationship between two countries has improved lives of people as well see if Scotland can work across in more specific sectors including work with NGO's and take advice from people of Malawi on what should be the development priorities.

Speaking earlier, President Peter Mutharika said, he was grateful to receive the Scottish Minister in Malawi as the visit symbolizes commitment and goodwill of Scottish government to strengthen long standing bilateral relationship.

He said Scotland remains a major development partner to Malawi in areas of ending poverty and achieving sustainable development. He said under their cooperate agreement, Malawi continues to benefit immensely in areas such as Agriculture and Food Security, Trade and Investment, Infrastructure, Health, Gender and Education.

He also thanked the Scottish government for timely assistance to Malawi with £150,000 (Twenty Thousand British Pounds) during floods that devastated Malawi this year. He said the money has gone along way.

President Mutharika also briefed the Minister and appealed for Scottish Government support in number of efforts that Malawi is undertaking including in improving access to education, promoting skill development and entrepreneurship as well as job creation through technical colleges.

He added that Malawi is also pursuing number of activities that promote trade and create conducive environment for investors.

Malawi and Scotland share along history which dates back to 19th Century when the first missionaries came to Malawi to spread Christianity. The coming of the Scottish Minister also marks 156 years since Dr. David Livingstone came to Malawi and 10 years since the two countries signed Cooperation Agreement in November 2005.