| By Mary Makhiringa, Malawi News Agency | November 21, 2012 · |
President Joyce Banda on Tuesday held an audience with United States (US )six military officers delegation at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, focusing on peace and security in Africa.
Speaking to journalists after the 45 minute discussion, head of the delegation General Carter Ham Commander US Africa Command said he was very happy to meet President Banda and they discussed issues of mutual security.
Said General Ham: “I am very happy to meet President Mrs Joyce Banda today. We had a group discussion with Her Excellency, in a comprehensible manner, relating to issues of nature and security between the US and Malawi.”
He also told journalists in an earlier briefing before meeting the president that he had discussed with Malawian military, political and government officials the Lake Malawi border dispute with Tanzania.
President Joyce Banda with General Carter Ham during the meeting.
On his part Malawi’s Minister of Defence Ken Kandodo said General Ham commended President Banda and her government on the performance of Malawi Defence Force (MDF); saying it was conducting itself with prime discipline, especially in Ivory Coast where the soldiers are operating to bring about peace and security.
“As you are aware, at present Malawi sent 850 military officers to Ivory Coast, to help in bringing about peace and security. General Ham commended Malawi Government for sacrificing its solders to go and help in Ivory Coast; where he noted they demonstrate impeccable professionalism,” said Kandodo.
He explained that the US government was happy with the MDF performance, adding that they are highly disciplined.
The Defence Minister also said the US government is deeply involved in training MDF military officers at Malawi Armed Forces College (MAFCO) in Salima.
“General Ham and his delegation visited MAFCO in Salima today; to appreciate the college and the officers who are undergoing training. The US government trains our officers.
“These visitors were in Mozambique before arriving in our country. They arrived here yesterday and they will proceed to Namibia from here,” said Kandodo.
MDF General Henery Odilo Welcomes US Africa Commander General Carter Ham at the Kamuzu Palace
Defence Minister Kandodo, deputy foreign affairs Minister Rachel Zulu Mazombwe, and General Odillo during the meeting
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