President Rupiah Banda arrived back from Chipata in the Eastern Province yesterday where he had gone for the launch of the Chipata-Mchinji rail line that will link Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

The president launched the rail line on Friday alongside Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika while Mozambican President Armando Guebuza was represented by Mozambican Minister of Transport and Communications, Paula Zucula.

Mr Banda also graced the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people of Katete District on Saturday. The president arrived at about 14:15 hours aboard a Zambia Air Force plane at City Airport and was welcomed by Vice-President George Kunda, Lusaka Province Minister Charles Shawa, service chiefs and other Government officials.

The Chipata-Mchinji rail line appears set to influence trade and movement of people between Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Mr Banda briefly told journalists that he would not speak having addressed several meetings in Chipata.