Malawi’s Vice President Jane Ansah Meets Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar During Jerusalem Visit

By Wadza Botomani

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Malawi’s Vice President Justice Dr. Jane Ansah met with Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar in Jerusalem during a private visit, highlighting the strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

The meeting, confirmed by Saar through a social media post, focused on ongoing partnerships in health and agriculture and acknowledged Malawi’s consistent support for Israel in international forums. This encounter occurs amidst Malawi’s increasingly visible alignment with Israel, a foreign policy stance that has drawn both praise and criticism domestically and across the African continent.

Foreign Minister Saar expressed his honor in meeting Vice President Ansah, stating the discussions reinforced the “strong bilateral relations between our countries.” He specifically thanked Ansah for “Malawi’s genuine friendship with Israel and for standing with us in international forums.” Saar extended his wishes for success to the President, Ansah, and the new government of Malawi, expressing anticipation for “further strengthening our relations.” The meeting, described as part of the Vice President’s private visit to Israel, underscores the diplomatic warmth that has characterized recent interactions between the two countries.

This high-level meeting aligns with a series of concrete agreements that have defined the recent Malawi-Israel relationship. Earlier this year, the two nations signed a bilateral accord facilitating the employment of Malawian workers in Israel, particularly in the agricultural and caregiving sectors, which have experienced labor shortages. This was followed by another significant deal in April 2025 to send trained Malawian nurses and midwives to Israeli health institutions. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, during a visit to Malawi, characterized the relationship as built on “shared goals and values,” telling Malawian officials that “Malawi is a true friend of Israel.” This partnership is seen by Israel as a crucial diplomatic foothold in Africa, a region where it faces significant opposition from other nations, most notably South Africa.