Ugandan businessman appointed Vietnam consul

Ugandan foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa (left) received credentials from the first Vietnam envoy to Uganda Ceasor Augustine Mulenga. (Credit: Godfrey Kimono)

DIPLOMACY

Ugandan businessman Caesar Augustine Mulenga has been appointed the new Honorary Consul of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Uganda.

Mulenga had been confirmed by Vietnam's assistant minister of foreign affairs Pham Sanh Chau.

A closed-door meeting was held Thursday, attended by among other high profile people, Ugandan foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa.

Kutesa received Mulenga's credentials in the meeting that was also attended by Mary Karooro Okurut.

"We welcome Augustus Ceasor Mulenga to join the diplomatic staff to promote the Vietnam-Uganda relationship," said Kutesa.

Uganda's minister of tourism Ephraim Kamuntu said Mulenga's experience and knowledge will greatly support Vietnamese business people who have been doing business in Uganda.

He tasked him to promote bilateral relations, especially deepening political, social and economic relationships between Vietnam and Uganda.

Mulenga was accompanied by his wife and their son

On his part, Mulenga told journalists that today marked a milestone between the two states, adding that his appointment will help to further strengthen cordial bilateral relations.

He asked Vietnamese living in Uganda to take advantage of the newly opened consulate in Uganda (in Kampala) where all services will be rendered to members of the public, political leaders and the business communities.

He said the time is now to analyze "our current economic, social and political situation and assess how well equipped we are on the just-started journey of bi-lateral cooperation".

Meanwhile, Kamuntu said it's clear that the two countries share a lot in common, adding that Vietnam is ready to strengthen diplomatic relations, peace and ensure the promotion of tourism, trade and business opportunities among the two countries.

Mulenga said on the social aspect, Vietnam's government has demonstrated commitment to promote development of talent.

"We are conscious that if our [Vietnam] country is to take its rightful place in the global community, we must depend on skilled and competitive workforce," he said.

He added that government holds the view therefore that education and training are the major pillars of economic development, given that knowledge, information and human capital are main assets of an advanced nation.