John Mulimba, Uganda’s minister of state for foreign affairs, stated that in order to promote bilateral trade relations and achieve the socio-economic transformation agenda, the two neighboring countries need a favorable policy environment and an enhanced physical and communications infrastructure.
This, according to the minister, will help improve citizens’ welfare in the two countries.
Although diplomatic and political relations have been good between Uganda and Burundi, the minister stated that the peace products are still low and should be used to promote trade between the two countries.
Uganda and Burundi both have land-linked nations. This session will discuss infrastructure development projects that address our geographic location challenges. It will also aim to make both countries land connected through appropriate road and rail networks that allow easy access to global markets.
The minister stated that Uganda was willing to work with Burundi in order to create a conducive policy environment that will enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.
He said that Uganda reiterated its unwavering commitment to Burundi and was ready to work with them to strengthen these relations for mutual benefit.
He also praised both countries for their spirit and constructive engagement in supporting regional peace and security initiatives against terrorist acts, especially under the auspices the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region and the African Union Mission in Somalia.
High ranking government officials close the third Session the Burundi-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission
I ask for your forgiveness. Let me remind you that Uganda and Burundi were among the first countries to contribute troops to Somalia under AMISOM. I would like to thank the two governments and the respective Missions in Addis Ababa, for their support during the African Union Commission budgeting process. He said that Uganda has expressed its appreciation to Lt Gen Diomede Ndegeya (AMISOM Force Commander for 2021), for his teamwork with the Ugandan contingent in Somalia.
Officials from both countries signed MoUs in cooperation in the Energy Sector as well as Cooperation in the Hydrocarbons Sector.
Uganda will host the 4th session Burundi/Uganda Joint Permanent Commission on a date that can be mutually agreed upon in 2023.
Peter T. Lokeris was the Minister of State in Mineral Development of the Republic of Uganda. Amb Albert Shingiro was the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi at the signing of the two MoUs during the 3rd Session of the Uganda – Burundi Joint Permanent Commission.
JPCs are used to review the implementation of the agreed-upon decisions between the countries and to explore new areas for cooperation.
