The Malawian President, Dr. Joyce Banda, is to visit Brazil, as she would discuss with the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff on matters of strengthening the bilateral relations between the countries.

This was made known by former Brazilian President, Luiz Inacio da Silva at Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe when he briefed journalists (after holding talks privately with President Banda) on the progress of his visit to Malawi.

He added that his country has already sent an invitation to Dr. Banda and that what remains is for the two countries to schedule when the visit will take place. He said for Malawi to have a female president symbolizes positive strides that the country is making towards attaining development. “It is very positive that in Malawi, the president is a woman and for that reason, I believe that Dr. Joyce Banda should visit Brazil.” He said.

While speaking further, the former Brazilian leader explained that the two countries have a lot in common as both have used agriculture to transform their economies. “When I was still in the presidency, we made a decision that we should open an embassy here in Malawi and an embassy for Malawi in Brazil” he said.

Also, Da Silva acknowledged the warmth that President Banda extended to him while visiting the country to attend the First Summit of UNAIDS/Lancet Commission on HIV/AIDS. He will be proceeding to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to attend a conference on World Food Security.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in 2010.