By Racheal Julaye–LILONGWE

Tanzanian President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to pay a three day visit to Malawi from tommorow, Wednesday.

A statement from Foreign Affairs Ministry says while in the country she will attend national prayers and Independence Day Celebrations marking the country’s 59 years of self-rule.

“Hassan will also hold bilateral talks with President Lazarus Chakwera as well as visit one of the areas devastated by Cyclone Freddy,” adds the statement.

Hassan became Tanzania’s sixth president in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.

She was first elected as Magufuli’s running mate in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020 along with him.

Previous roles in Government include serving as Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office, responsible for Union Affairs (2010-2015) and Minister in the semi-autonomous government of her home region of Zanzibar (2000-2010).

Last month, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangangwa was also in the country on a three day state visit.

Meanwhile, Malawi Government has pegged this year’s Independence Day Celebrations at K320 million; a move both political and economic experts describe as insensitive in the wake of deep-rooted challenges Malawi is currently facing.