Gen. Jeje Odongo, Russian counterpart hold bilateral talks in Moscow

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo Abubakhar has held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

The engagement took place on Tuesday June 18 in Moscow.

The two ministers exchanged views on bilateral and international issues of common interest including the forthcoming Uganda-Russia intergovernmental Commission and the BRICS Summit.

A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the two ministers also discussed the preparations for the 3rd session of the Russia – Uganda Intergovernmental Commission.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Jeje Odongo Abubakhar has held a bilateral meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov. (Courtesy photo)

During the engagement, Gen Odongo who is part of the Vice President Jessica Alupo’s delegation in Russia, confirmed Uganda’s readiness to host the meeting, adding that a date for the session will be communicated soon.

He added that, meanwhile arrangements are ongoing in the different sectors in Uganda, including reviewing previous areas of cooperation and identifying new areas. 

According to the release, Gen. Odongo expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation for the warm and excellent bilateral relations existing between Russian Federation and proposed new areas of Cooperation in Health especially provision of Mobile Laboratories as well as in Regenerative Medicine (stem cell research and treatment).

He also requested negotiation and conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Externalization in respect of Skilled Labour from Uganda.

At the same meeting, Gen. Odongo requested support from to enable Uganda obtain property or land in Moscow to establish a Permanent Chancery.

On the multilateral front, Gen Odongo requested support from the Russian Federation to enable Uganda attain Full Membership of the BRICS. 

Hailing the bilateral relations between Russia and Uganda, foreign minister Lavrov thanked Uganda for commitment to friendship with Russia, demonstrated by President Museveni attendance of the 1st and 2nd Russia-Africa summits stating that Russia looked forward to the forthcoming 3rd session of the Inter Governmental Commission to be held in Kampala.

He expressed optimism for the signing of the pending Memorandum of Understanding and pledged to consider Uganda's request for acquisition of permanent Chancery in Moscow as well as consideration of the request for externalization of labour for skilled workers from Uganda.

Minister Lavrov welcomed Uganda to the BRICS as a Partner State and pledged support for the process to full membership.

In addition to congratulating Uganda on her positive role in maintaining regional peace and security, he further expressed support for Africa on UN Security Council Reforms urging, Uganda and Africa as a whole to fight neocolonialism in all its forms. He urged Uganda to leverage chairmanship of the NAM to advance the interests of the Global South.