Within the framework of strengthening Uganda’s relationship with Türkiye, we desire to further strengthen existing areas of cooperation and explore new fields, Foreign Minister
Hamza Kyeyune | Update : 03.03.2024
Antalya -Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda Jeje Odong has said that his country desires to further strengthen existing areas of cooperation and explore new fields within the framework of strengthening relations with Türkiye.
He made the comments in a meeting with Türkiye’s top diplomat Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024, which brought together prominent diplomats and officials in Southern Türkiye, to discuss critical issues of global peace and development.
Odongo lauded the fraternal relations that exist between the two countries and expressed gratitude to Türkiye for the assistance extended in terms of infrastructural development, education cooperation through scholarships, and foreign direct investment among other areas of cooperation. “We desire to further strengthen existing areas of cooperation and explore new fields,” he said.
Hakan Fidan congratulated Uganda on the successful hosting of the recently concluded Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit held in Kampala, attended by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz.
Both Ministers expressed satisfaction with the achievements registered in the field of economic cooperation, noting the steady increase in bilateral trade. They agreed to expedite the conclusion of outstanding investment promotion agreements and to continue high-level visits and expand bilateral engagement.
Bilateral trade volume between the two countries increased by 51% and reached USD 94 million in 2022, Türkiye’s exports to Uganda reached USD 64 million while Uganda’s exports to Türkiye reached USD 30 million, according to data from the Turkish embassy in Kampala.
During a panel discussion titled “A New Agenda for Peace” at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the Ugandan minister urged the international community to support conflict prevention initiatives undertaken by the regional and sub-regional organizations and called for the reform of the UN Security Council to ensure it is fit for purpose.
Odongo also noted Africa’s lack of representation in the UN Security Council, where 240 million people are represented by just two people, while the continent’s 1.4 billion populations have no representation at all.
