Malawi's president cancels foreign trips due to economic crunch

ISTANBUL

Malawi’s president has canceled two foreign visits owing to the country’s economic austerity measures, the finance minister said on Wednesday.

The decision was “not an obligation” and has been taken by President Lazarus Chakwera of his own accord, Sosten Gwengwe told journalists.

It will save Malawi approximately $261,000, the minister added.

Chakwera will not attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda and the OPEC Fund Development Forum in Austria, both scheduled for later this month.

* Writing by Merve Berker in Ankara