Pretoria-The High Commissioner of Uganda to South Africa Paul Amoru has reiterated Uganda’s commitment to implementing the outcomes and decisions taken at the 2nd session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) held in Kampala in July this year.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Mashego Dlamini, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa at the latter’s office on Friday.
Amb Amoru’s arrival in South Africa followed the JCC that was held in Kampala from 7th to 12th July 2022. The JCC sought to further the bilateral ties between Uganda and South Africa in different sectors.
The areas of cooperation covered during the JCC include International Relations and Cooperation; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Communications and Digital Technologies; Cooperation between the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); Correctional Services; Defense; Mineral Resources and Energy Mining, Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Cooperation Framework.
The others are Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Health; Higher Education and Training; Cooperation on Immigration Matters; Employment and Labor; Public Works and Infrastructure; Science & Innovation; Sports, Arts & Culture; Tourism, Trade, Industry and Competition including cooperation on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Transport, Women, Youth & Persons with Disabilities among others.
Minister Dlamini added her voice to that of Dr. Naledi Pandor, the Senior Minister conveying her appreciation to Uganda for hosting South Africa delegates and successfully organizing the JCC.
During the JCC, Minister Pandor delivered an invitation for a State Visit to President Yoweri Museveni. Dlamini expressed that they look forward to receiving the President in South Africa next year; which will undoubtedly further strengthen the warm and strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
She expressed that issues of trade and investment are critical and there is need to address all challenges that may hamper expansion of the cooperation and that the way forward is to implement all signed bilateral agreements, review dormant ones as well as explore new areas of cooperation.
The minister observed that South Africa is equally encouraged by Uganda’s active engagement to strengthen bilateral cooperation with other countries.
She noted that together, Uganda and South Africa can exploit new opportunities presented by the post COVID 19 pandemic globally.
Dlamini further advised that strong bilateral relations between African countries and regional economies is essential to the realization of the ideals of the continent’s development Agenda 2063 – the Africa we want.
She noted that Uganda is known for her unwavering commitment to the realization of the ideals of Pan-Africanism, promotion of sovereignty and independence of all African nations as well championing regional integration.
The Ambassador appreciated the warm welcome extended to him by the hosts upon arrival as well as the timely presentation of his letters of credence to the President of South Africa.
He noted that the Mission recently held a meeting with the Directorate of EAC which largely focused on the implementation of the outcomes of the JCC and the invitation of President Museveni for a State visit to South Africa.
Amb Amoru expressed that he will focus on Economic and Commercial diplomacy aiming at further boosting trade and investment between the two countries.
He however, noted the unfavorable Balance of Trade position in favor of the South Africa and thanked his host for the commitment to open its markets to Ugandan products and services.
The Ambassador also appreciated the acceptance of resumption of Uganda Airlines commercial direct flights to Johannesburg which in turn will boost trade and deepen the people to people relations and cooperation.
He also used the opportunity to seek South Africa’s support for Uganda’s candidature for re-election to the International Telecommunications Union Council for the period 2022-2026 at an election scheduled during the
Plenipotentiary conference from 26th September to 14th October, 2022 in Bucharest, Romania.
The Ambassador thanked his host for the meeting and reiterated his commitment to enhancing bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries during his tour of duty.
Uganda and South Africa enjoy excellent historical bilateral relations forged over several decades.
South Africa is one of Uganda’s biggest trading partners. In 2021, the volume of trade between Uganda and South Africa was approximately USD 194 million.
