Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan says Malawi should open a resident embassy in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.
Jonathan said this when Malawi’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Isaac Munlo presented his letters of credence.
In an emailed interview, Munlo said President Jonathan emphasized Nigeria’s readiness for economic cooperation with Malawi, particularly in the broad field of Agriculture.
He also expressed his wish for Malawi to open a diplomatic mission in Abuja, Nigeria, saying Ethiopia is very far.
President Jonathan when he visited Malawi
“I presented my letters of credence to President Jonathan last month, but urged Malawi to open a resident Embassy right there in Abuja, Nigeria,” Dr. Munlo said.
Currently, Dr. Munlo who operates from Ethiopia represents Malawi to the African Union (AU) and other 23 African Countries.
Nigeria already nominated a resident Ambassador to Lilongwe who presented his letters of credence to President Joyce Banda some weeks ago.
Dr. Munlo told President Jonathan that Malawi faces daunting economic problems and needs a ‘hand up’ as it struggles to emerge from the current economic problems.
“My Government applauds the cooperation agreements our two governments have signed for instance in trade and tourism, among other sectors. The country faces daunting economic problems that need other countries to assist us,” he said.
Nigeria is the most populous African nation and the largest oil exporter with many developed industries and infrastructure, a knowledge of which Malawi can tap from as it struggles to emerge from the pangs of economic pangs.