Madonna praised by Malawi's new president

Madonna has been praised by Malawi's President Peter Mutharika for her "passion" for the country despite previous accusations from state officials of "bullying" and arrogance.

The Material Girl hitmaker adopted two children, Mercy and David, from the African country but came under fire from former President Joyce Banda, who accused her of "bullying state officials" during a humanitarian trip in March last year (13).

Madonna has now returned to Malawi for the first time since the disagreement and the current President Mutharika has expressed his gratitude for the star's charity work in the nation.

The pair met at the Malawi State House on Friday (28Nov14) and the president has reinstated Madonna's "very important person" status in the country, which Banda stripped her of following their dispute.

Mutharika, who is a big fan of Madonna's music, says, "My government has always been grateful for the passion Madonna has for this country... especially towards addressing poverty and hardships endured by Malawi's orphans and vulnerable children through her charity Raising Malawi. During our discussion, Madonna displayed much commitment in helping to build more classrooms in schools across Malawi."

A government spokesperson said, "Her VIP status has been restored."