Latest: Scottish parliamentary Speaker, pop star begin visit to Malawi
February 15th, 2011
The Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer (Speaker) Alex Fergusson and pop star Annie Lennox arrived in Malawi for a week- long visit as guests of Malawi Parliament and some projects being funded by the Scottish government.
Malawi Parliament Speaker Henry Chimunthu Banda told journalists in the capital Lilongwe on Monday that he and his guest will meet and discuss with parliamentarians on a number of issues regarding relations between their two parliaments.
“The two parliaments have a very strong relationship which dates back long time ago and a number of developments have taken place,” Chimunthu Banda said.
Fergusson said the visit will “strengthen links already in place between Scotland and Malawi.”
Lennox, the former member of Eurythmics , has been accompanied by her eldest daughter Lola, 20, as her first trip as special envoy to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Scotland Branch (CPASB), to develop and enhance Scotland’s ongoing links with Malawi.
The pop star and her daughter will visit projects with Scottish links to learn how expertise and money from Scotland is helping vulnerable people in the African country.
“The projects we will visit focus on women’s rights and combating the stigma of HIV/Aids. It’s a phenomenal opportunity for Lola to learn about these issues, which everyone knows I am passionate about,” she told Press Association UK.
“It will be fitting to have one of my daughters with me when I learn more about the incredible work these mothers, sisters and daughters do in order to survive. These women are truly inspirational and both Lola and I are very much looking forward to hearing their stories.”
