On March 26, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Wen told Mutharika that to enhance China-Malawi friendly cooperative ties followed the historical trend and was in the fundamental interests of both sides. China is ready to work with Malawi to consolidate and deepen bilateral ties based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits.

The premier called on both countries to keep closer coordination, tap their respective advantages, and expand pragmatic cooperation. He suggested both sides confer on setting up a guidance and coordination mechanism for trade cooperation and step up efforts to implement aid projects and priority cooperation programs so as to bring benefits to the Malawian people at an early date. China would encourage its enterprises to increase imports from Malawi in a bid to stimulate bilateral trade and promote its balanced development.

Mutharika said the establishment of diplomatic ties had unveiled a new chapter for bilateral relations and his country has thus made a new friend. Malawi understands the feelings of the Chinese people on the Taiwan question and will stick to the one-China policy and support China's reunification. Mutharika said his country would maintain high-level exchanges with China and step up mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, humanities, medical care and social development by establishing bilateral cooperation committee and other mechanisms. Malawi welcomes Chinese businesses to invest there and support and participate in economic construction of the country. Mutharika said Malawi would send its delegation to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Wen said the establishment of a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership based on equality, mutual benefits and win-win outcome is not only conducive to Chinese and African peoples, but will also contribute to world prosperity and development. China welcomed Malawi to join the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, and was ready to join with Malawi to inject new vigor to China-Africa friendly cooperation. Mutharika echoed that Malawi was willing to contribute to cementing Africa-China cooperation.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attended the meeting.