“This occasion is a symbol of Malawi’s desire to build a deeper relationship with Israel,” said Malawian Foreign Minister Nancy Tembo.

Although the two countries have had diplomatic relations since 1964, Malawi never opened a diplomatic mission.

“Hopefully, others will follow your footsteps and open their embassies in Israel,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz remarked.

Israel is interested in bringing Malawian laborers to address a shortage of agricultural and construction workers. Katz said that a memorandum of understanding on that would be signed in the near future.

Tembo also expressed support for Israel’s efforts to bring home its hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“We will continue to stand with Israel, even when others do not,” she vowed. “Malawi is a peace-loving state, and it rejects all forms of violence, particularly the cowardly ones, and believes in a nation’s right to self-defense and the protection of its people. Malawians pray for the people of Israel at this time.”

Israeli officials have said they are eager to collaborate with Malawi in the agriculture, health care and technology sectors.

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