Gerald Kampanikiza, News Reporter
KINSHASA – Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera said Wednesday that he is glad SADC has honoured the founders of the bloc whose role in the formation of the regional body is part of living history.
Chakwera said this in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo during his keynote speech at the 42nd SADC Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.
The outgoing chair said he used the keynote speech to remind the member states of the need for collective celebrating, solidarity and consolidating quest for shared prosperity.
“Today being SADC Day, each of the 340 million people must cherish the unbreakable bond that connects us into a monolithic social and economic structure transcending ethnicity, geographic borders and political systems,” Chakwera said.
He continued by reminding the summit that 30 years down the line, what continues to keep SADC together is a bond steeped in shared values therefore his elapsing tenure as the chairperson brings into light strides that have been made in strengthening institutions in a bid to achieve regional integration.
“This sort of integration comes at a time SADC is growing into a global destination for investment, trade and tourism, I also reminded them to continue upholding values of good governance and democracy,” he highlighted.
The eloquent Malawian leader further explained that he has finished his term, on behalf of the people of Malawi, a gratified man for the strides made this far.
Chakwera said everyone is confident of continued implementation of SADC policies and programs under the incoming Chairmanship of President Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo and the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
President Chakwera thanked SADC for the opportunity to serve the bloc at a time like this with so much happening around the world.
