The first ever trilateral partnership between Zambia, Malawi and the North Carolina National Guard, under the auspices of the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP) has been signed at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

The initiative pairs National Guard elements from U.S. states with partner countries to foster mutual interests, enhance global security, and build closer ties between the United States and nations worldwide.

It not only builds partner nations’ capacities in areas such as disaster response and peacekeeping operations, but also opens doors for bilateral trade and investment opportunities as well as educational exchanges.

Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Commander General Paul Valentino Phiri described the agreement as a significant milestone between the country and North Carolina National guard to enhance security and a transformative journey towards shared vision and goals.

He hailed the United States Government for its untiring support and commitment to the programme which reinforces collective efforts in achieving sustainable peace and security within the two countries borders and capacity building.

Phiri indicated that the arrangement will also ensure that armies are capable of addressing emerging security issues.

The partnership will also act as a catalyst for connecting Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana and the US through sharing subject matter expertise and civilian exchange to enhance skills and knowledge including military medical procedures and support to disaster response.

Additionally, the collaboration will propel nations technologically and advancement in defence capabilities, cyber security, and military infrastructure in the realm of security and defence for the safety and well- being of citizens

The MDF boss also praised the arrangement noting it will reinforce commitment without fear of insecurity and instability to build a future where safety and progress intersect in building a prosperous future for the two nations.

Major General Todd Hunt of North Carolina National Guard said the partnership is based on friendship and will last a long time.

He spoke of his excitement coming to Malawi to learn and teach techniques on peace and security and looked forward to many opportunities.

Since its inception in 1993, the State Partnership Program has been a cornerstone of U.S. security cooperation efforts around the world.

President Lazarus Chakwera hailed the deepening bilateral ties between Malawi and the US saying the relationship between them is growing with the two countries treating each other candidly with respect.

The President indicated that whenever the two have concerns to raise, it is done through channels for the benefit of the peoples in the two countries.

He stated that the cooperation between the two continue to increase exponentially in public health programs in health facilities countrywide, infrastructure development through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the education sector evidenced by the construction of over 200 secondary schools, disaster response and El Nino this year.

Chakwera who is also Commander in Chief of the MDF, acknowledged US support in governance, economy and its role in the successful implementation of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). 

He hailed the agreement with the National Guard and the vested improvements the Biden administration has in Malawi adding that the number of Malawians living in US is growing.

Among others, the agreement will include emergency management and disaster response exercises; border and port security programs; leadership and officer development; medical capacity-building; economic security strengthening; natural resource protection; and counter-trafficking, counter-proliferation, and counter-terrorism support.

It will advance scientific, technological, and educational collaborations between institutions of higher learning, and promote trade and investment opportunities between different industries.