President of Malawi addresses Scottish Parliament
104/2005 | 3 November 2005
His Excellency Dr Bingu wa Mutharika |
The President of Malawi, His Excellency Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, today made history when he became the first foreign Head of State to address the Scottish Parliament in its new setting at Holyrood.
During his address to MSPs in the Scottish Parliament’s Debating Chamber, Dr Mutharika spoke of the “hand-in-hand” relationship between the two countries, and outlined what is being done to eradicate social and economic problems in his country.
Tomorrow (Friday), the President will also take part in the Scotland-Malawi Partnership Conference, which he will officially open with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Both are Co-Presidents of the Scotland-Malawi Partnership.
The conference is the last in a series of nine Africa-related events to take place in the Scottish Parliament this year.
During his visit to the Parliament today, the Malawian President observed First Minister’s Question Time and met the Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon George Reid, party leaders and schoolchildren.
Welcoming Dr Mutharika to the Chamber, the Presiding Officer George Reid said:
“The people of Malawi and Scotland, Mr President, go back a very long time together.
“Over 150 years we have shared history, culture, education, and, of course, faith.
“We are both small countries trying to make our way in a great big world. When British Ministers considered subsuming Malawi into a larger political entity, Scots voices spoke strongly for the continuing independence of your country.
“All those who have followed in the footsteps of David Livingstone - the Scots doctors, engineers, missionaries, teachers, nurses, politicians like myself and others in this Chamber - none of us can go there without retaining a bit of Malawi deep in our hearts.”
After thanking the Presiding Officer for allowing him the opportunity to address the Parliament, Dr Mutharika outlined the historical ties between the two countries.
He said:
“It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before this house to brief you on the political, economic and social transformation of Malawi. This is an important chapter in the history of the relations between Malawi and Scotland.
“I have titled my address to this house ‘Working Hand-in-Hand Against Poverty’. This is because Scotland shares with us our vision of seeing my country emerge from poverty to prosperity.
“This is also to recognise the relationship between Malawi and Scotland that began way back in the 19th Century.”
The President added:
“The fight to abolish slavery was indeed successful and brought some liberation to the people of Nyasaland (the former name for Malawi).
“As the time went by, the people of Nyasaland were introduced to Christianity, commerce and education, which have had tremendous and enduring benefits to our people.
“In that regard, notable names such as Edward Young and Robert Laws founded the Livingstonia Mission in Northern Malawi; Henry Henderson, Duff MacDonald, Clement Scott and others started the Church of Scotland in Southern Malawi.
“I can say without hesitation that Scotland can justifiably claim that the seeds of struggle for Malawi’s independence that took place in 1964 had some of its origins here in Scotland.
“This is because these first missionaries who started our education system in earnest also ushered in the new era of awareness.”
Dr Mutharika used the rest of his address to detail what is being done to improve problems facing Malawi such as the spread of HIV/AIDS, poor food and agriculture growth, child labour and trafficking, and corruption.
Photo and broadcast opportunities
The Parliament’s photography team has been taking pictures throughout the day. Images can be obtained free of charge from the team on 0131 348 6269.
Footage of the event is available to broadcasters. Any requests for footage should be addressed to the Parliament’s Broadcasting unit on 0131 348 5148.
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