Germany beefs up aid to Malawi

BERLIN – Germany says it is beefing up aid to Malawi after the African country's new president adopted a new political and economic course.

The government said Wednesday that Germany's deputy Development Minister Gudrun Kopp met President Joyce Banda in Lilongwe and discussed a package of German support for Malawi's democratic and economic development.

Germany reduced aid cooperation with Malawi under late President Bingu wa Mutharika in early 2011. Kopp praised the new government's withdrawal of controversial laws, its return to a "substantial dialog" with the opposition and donors, and its devaluation of the currency.

The Development Ministry says the support package is worth €53 million ($66 million), including some money previously pledged.

In June, the International Monetary Fund and Malawi agreed to an aid package, and the U.S. restored aid.