Uganda and Ethiopia sign 8 bilateral cooperation agreements

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The 4^th Session of the Ethiopia-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) concluded on Friday in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, with the two countries signing a record eight bilateral co-operation agreements in various fields, ranging from aviation to minerals to water resources and agriculture.

Uganda’s delegation was led by foreign affairs minister, Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar.

He was accompanied by other ministers: Francis Mwebesa (trade industry and cooperatives), Fred Byamukama (state for transport), Bwino Kyakulaga (state for agriculture) and Gen. David Rubakuba Muhoozi (state for internal affairs).

This was according to a statement from the foreign affairs ministry.

The Ethiopian delegation was led by the foreign affairs minister, Dr Gedion Timothewos.

He was accompanied by the trade and regional integration minister, Dr Kassahun Gofe, other sectoral ministers, CEOs and representatives of different institutions.

JMC is said to have provided the opportunity to take stock of the bilateral relations between Uganda and Ethiopia for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

“Dr Timothewos emphasized the need to enhance regional co-operation to deal with mounting challenges that the two countries are facing. The minister also recognized the excellent partnership in ensuring equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile Waters,” the ministry statement said.

Timothewos also highlighted the importance of Ethiopia and Uganda's collective effort and coordination to counter-terrorism in the region, working closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

While expressing gratitude to Ethiopia, Odongo noted that the meeting was being held when bilateral relations between the two countries had blossomed and flourished ever since the co-operation was established many years ago.

Odongo also noted that the six-year break in the JMC meetings did not affect the commitment of both countries to keep relations alive. He noted that during this period, there were various high-level exchange visits between Addis Ababa and Kampala, including "ongoing bilateral engagements in different sectors, and constant interactions on other regional and international fronts".

The eight MoUs were signed in Addis Ababa. (Credit: Foreign affairs ministry)

The Ugandan minister further expressed optimism that JMC will propel the bilateral relations of the two countries to greater heights and provide an opportunity to explore and agree on many areas of cooperation.  

According to the ministry, Odongo reminisced on the many issues and subjects that bring both countries together under JMC such as; diplomatic consultations, trans-boundary water management, regional peace and security to trade, energy, immigration, tourism, agriculture, and transport.

During the event in Ethiopia's capital, the two ministers expressed their respective governments’ readiness and commitment to implement all agreed positions arising out of the event so as to drive our relations to new heights.

The highlight of the two-day meeting was the signing of the following eight MOUs:

▪️ Bilateral Air Services Agreement

▪️ MoU on Industrial Co-operation

▪️ MoU on Co-operation in the Energy Sector

▪️ MoU on Water Resource Management

▪️ MoU on Technical Cooperation in Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

▪️ MoU on Co-operation in Aviation Training

▪️ MoU on Co-operation and Assistance in Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation.

▪️ MoU on Trade Co-operation