LILONGWE - President Paul Kagame arrived in Malawi yesterday at the beginning of a three-day state visit. Kagame was met on arrival at the Kamuzu International Airport by his Malawian counterpart President Bingu wa Mutharika and accorded a 21-gun salute.  President Kagame last visited Malawi during the inauguration of President wa Mutharika in May 2004. Today, the two presidents are scheduled to inaugurate a new highway, which is to be named after President Kagame.

Shortly after arrival in Lilongwe, the two Heads of State participated in a ceremony at the city’s Civic Offices where President Kagame was conferred the Freedom of the City of Lilongwe by the City Assembly – an honour traditionally granted to visiting Heads of State.

Expressing appreciation for the honour of the key to the city, President Kagame congratulated President wa Mutharika on the transformation of Lilongwe into a veritable seat of government during his administration.

Kagame was due to attend a state banquet given in his honour by the Malawian President at the new State House in Lilongwe last evening. Ends