Mutharika makes U-turn on India trip

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Peter Mutharika

Malawi President Peter Mutharika has forsaken his trip to India for the India-Africa Summit on what his offices describes as “one of the cost-cutting measures”, Malawi24 can reveal.

Mutharika was according to an initial press statement from his office meant to leave for India on Sunday.

Peter Mutharika
Mutharika: Has canceled his India trip.

According to State House Press Secretary, Gerald Viola, Mutharika has since delegated Foreign Affairs Minister Dr George Chaponda to lead the Malawi team in New Delhi.

Viola has also hinted that Mutharika who has been attacked lately for picking over 100 people to the US for the United Nations General Summit (UNGA) has already informed the organizers of his absence.

Malawi24 has also learnt that the Mutharika has ordered that the Malawi delegation be reduced to ten as a reported initial set delegation was bigger.

The delegation will include Finance and Economic Planning, Goodall Gondwe, Trade and Industry, Joseph Mwanamvekha, Agriculture and Irrigation, Allan Chiyembekeza.

The delegation also comprises of there are also representatives of the private sector.

Representatives from 54 African nations, including heads of state of some 40 countries, and the African Union are expected to participate in the summit. They will put up in hotels across the city. This would be the third India-Africa Forum Summit.

Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today held a review meeting ahead of the meet, starting on October 26, with all stakeholders, including Delhi chief secretary and other city and central government officials, police commissioner and civic body heads among others.