The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, has assured Malawi Defence Advisor (DA) accreditated to the Republic Zambia, Col Philip Chitekwe, of Zambia’s continued support and partnership.
The Air Force Commander was speaking when Col Chitekwe paid a Courtesy Call on him at ZAF Headquarters on Friday, 16 May 2025.
Lt Gen Nyoni said the strong military cooperation between the two nations is anchored on shared values, common history and regional solidarity.
He said the relationship between Zambia and Malawi is not only historical but rooted in deep brotherhood and that the two nations are more than just neighbours.
“We are one people, woven together by shared histories, values and aspirations. Our people are involved in cross border trade, education and cultural interactions, which happen every day without citizens feeling like foreigners," Lt Gen Nyoni said.
He added that in the past, Zambia has stood with Malawi, not out of duty but because the two are brothers and one family.
The Air Force Commander cited Zambia’s swift response and support to Malawi when that country was in distress due to effects of climate change.
Lt Gen Nyoni assured the Malawi DA that the military collaboration between the two countries would continue to grow.
He said that he was happy to note that the Malawi Defence Force had, in recent years, benchmarked several key institutional and operational frameworks from Zambia. He also said that ZAF has proudly offered human resource support, capacity building and institutional knowledge, including flying training and paratrooper exchange programmes to assist Malawi reach it's defence goals.
And in his reciprocal remarks, Col Chitekwe reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening bilateral Defence relations between the two Air Forces. He acknowledged the ongoing training cooperation, saying the presence of Malawian pilot students at ZAF Flying Training schools was encouraging and was going to add value to the Malawi Air Force.
Col Chitekwe also delivered a goodwill message from the Malawi Defence Force Commander, Gen Paul Valentino Phiri, who commended ZAF for its brotherly and professional support even at short notice.
