President Lazarus Chakwera and his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema, have held bilateral talks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

The meeting follows a one-day working visit by the Zambian leader for bilateral talks between the two countries.

High on the agenda, was how the two countries can expand the existing cooperation in various areas of mutual interest, and also consolidate bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations.

Immediately after their meeting, the two leaders held a joint press briefing where among others informed members that the two countries have agreed to work together in different fields.

In his address to the media, Chakwera emphasized that Malawi and Zambia share a common conviction hence the development and progress of the two nations are inextricably linked.

Chakwera said: “That is why in our bilateral discussions today, we have agreed to fast track the removal of all bottlenecks to cross-border trading, including a review of the existing Simplified Trade Regime in order to expand the list of eligible products traded within this framework.”

The Malawi leader further said they have agreed to harmonise and simplify border controls by jointly constructing the One Stop Border Post at Mchinji-Mwami border, which will be commissioned next year.

In his remarks, Hichilema said Zambia and Malawi are only divided by artificial borders, but its people are one.

“And in order to realise this, President Lazarus Chakwera and I, have committed to fostering peace, unity and democracy for development between the two nations and for the greater good of its people,” said Hichilema.

He added that their discussion tackled agriculture, education, health and trade and investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Hichilema has returned back Zambia.