Museveni and Kagame commit to economic integration

President Yoweri Museveni and Rwanda’s leader Paul Kagame have reiterated their commitment to the economic integration of Africa,  accelerating  industrialisation, development of regional and continental infrastructure to improve the livelihoods of the peoples of Africa.

Kagame, the Chairman of  Africa Union was in Uganda on Sunday for a one day official visit on the invitation of his counterpart. 

Accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and East African Community, Louse Mushikiwabo  plus other senior Kigali officials, Kagame was received by his host at State House Entebbe.

After a brief photo session, the two leaders and their delegations held closed door meetings.

Below are excerpts of the joint communique signed by Mushikiwabo and  Sam Kutesa  Minister. of Foreign Affairs was issued.

The two Heads of State held Official Talks at State House, Entebbe in a cordial and friendly atmosphere on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The two leaders noted the existing bonds of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries and reiterated their commitment to strengthen them further. In this regard, they reviewed cooperation particularly in the sectors of railway and air transport as well as electricity interconnection.

The two Heads of States observed that the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) between the two countries provides a good mechanism for discussing matters of mutual interest and strengthening cooperation. They therefore directed their Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs to convene the next JPC within three months.

Museveni congratulated  his counterpart, the Government and people of Rwanda on the successful hosting of the historic African Union Extra Ordinary Summit in Kigali on March 21, 2018 during which the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area as well as the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons were signed.

Museveni expressed his appreciation to  President Kagame for honouring his invitation and for the fruitful discussions they held.

Kagame, on his part, expressed his appreciation to President Museveni, the Government and people of Uganda for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during the visit.  Relatedly, he also invited Museveni  for  a State Visit to the Republic of Rwanda.  The invitation was gladly accepted and the dates will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

Museveni  also commended President Kagame in his capacity as current Chair of the African Union, for his leadership.