The International Relations Department’s said delays in clearing Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera’s delegation from leaving South Africa last week were unfortunate and unavoidable.
Dirco says there were important security, logistical and procedural processes that led to the delays.
The department acknowledges the processes created concerns within the Malawian delegation but those concerns have since been addressed.
Chakwera was in Pretoria on a two-day working visit last week.
Dirco insists diplomatic courtesies weren’t compromised and it also says the two nations enjoy cordial relations at the highest level.