By Durrell Namasani

The Chairperson of Malawi Congress Party Diaspora Network (MCPDN) Chalo Mvula has commended President Chakwera for accepting the invitation to attend the coronation of King Charles the third scheduled for this Saturday. Mvula made the call after certain voices were questioning the wisdom of attending this historic event.

Speaking to 247Malawi News, Mvula who is also UK based said rich history between Malawi and the United Kingdom is a strong reason enough for the President not to miss this event. According to Mvula , United Kingdom has always been a strong ally  for Malawi  and the country has stood with Malawi through thick and thin  “ The UK has been with Malawi in good times and in challenging times, they have always been among the first to come to our rescue when our country faces challenges and this has gone on for years. It is only worthy that we repay back this good gesture  with our President attending King Charles coronation as United Kingdom is that true friend of ours” said Mvula.

President Chakwera arrived in the UK on Thursday Morning. Writing on his social media handles, the president said he was looking forward to his trip to the UK

“As a Commonwealth member and long-time-bilateral ally of the UK, Malawi joins the British people as they celebrate this longstanding tradition and symbolic ritual around their monarch” The President wrote

President Chakwera has also promised that he will take the opportunity to hold a number of bilateral talks with some of the global leaders who are also heading to London for the same purpose.

The UK has a strong historic relationship with Malawi. The former Malawi President Dr Hastings Banda had very good relationship with the British Monarchy. Queen Elizabeth famously visited Malawi in 1979, about 15 years after the country gained its independence from British colonial rule. King Charles, then Prince also visited Malawi in 1987.

Mvula highlighted that despite the global economic challenges which has been the argument of those opposing the trip, there is still room to cement strong international relations. “Lets not forget that President Chakwera will also use this trip to meet business leaders  which will end up benefiting Malawi in the end “

More than 2,000 people have been invited to witness the crowning of King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6, a dramatically slimmed-down ceremony compared to the roughly 8,000 who attended the Coronation of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1953