Minister of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation Emmanuel Fabiano said this in Lilongwe on Thursday at a press conference that was meant to unpack the President’s trip to the 72nd UNGA.

Fabiano said the Malawi leader had “more engagements” than the time available at UNGA.

Said Fabiano: “It was cost effective to pack in as many meetings as possible. What the government achieves from these meetings matters more than the number of days.”

He said most of the 38 meetings Mutharika had were meant to initiate cooperation.

Fabiano was accompanied by State House Director of Communications Bright Molande and Presidential Spokesperson Mgeme Kalilani.

Explaining on why President Mutharika was not available, in person, to address the journalists, Fabiano said there was no law that mandates the Head of State to speak to the media everytime he travels outside the country.

Fabiano then assured the inquisitive journalists that the President will find time to respond to any burning issues they might have at an appropriate time.