By Ambrose Gahene,
KAMPALA
The Second Uganda-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission kicked off on Monday morning at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala and will run from Monday September 16th to Thursday 19th September, 2024.
Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while addressing delegates present, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Mozambique as the second session of the Uganda-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) kicked off.
“We share a strong foundation, and it is our duty to build upon it,” Kabonero stated. He highlighted the need to update progress on presidential directives and conclude bilateral agreements, particularly in political, security, and economic areas.
Amb. Kabonero expressed confidence that strengthened bilateral ties would yield economic and social advancements for both nations.
“Through our enhanced bilateral ties, both countries will achieve significant economic and social progress,” he added.
Ambassador Kabonero also emphasized the significance of the JPC in fostering a robust trade and investment relationship between Uganda and Mozambique.
H.E. Amb. Ermengildo Caetano, Director for Africa in the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and head of delegation of the Mozambique technical officials said they have identified key areas of cooperation to include; politics and diplomacy, defence and security, veterans, environment and wildlife, agriculture, transport and communication, infrastructure and public works, mineral resources and energy, among others.
He encouraged the senior officials present to appreciate the strong historical bond and recent developments in collaborative efforts and to find common ground to conclude more bilateral agreements.
The three-day meeting will focus on key areas, including trade, investment, and economic cooperation, according to a joint communiqué released by Ms. Margaret Awino Kafeero, the Head OF Public Diplomacy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ms. Kafeero said the Commission’s outcomes are expected to have significant implications for regional economic cooperation and development.
“Analysts view the talks as a critical step towards deepening Uganda-Mozambique relations, particularly in the context of growing economic cooperation within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”, she said.
Ms. Kafeero added that; Uganda and Mozambique have a significant trade relationship, having a large net trade with Uganda in 2017.
“The main products exported from Mozambique to Uganda include buses, cars, and iron fasteners, totaling $8.75 million in 2022. In return, Uganda exports various products to Mozambique”, she added.
The two countries have a strong historical bond, which was forged during the liberation struggles against colonialism.
Recently, they have reinforced their bilateral relations through high-level visits by their presidents and the establishment of the Uganda-Mozambique JPC.
“In terms of specific trade data, Uganda imported $60 worth of tools from Mozambique in 2011, and $1.74 thousand worth of other vessels in 2016”
“The trade relationship between Uganda and Mozambique is active and diverse, with both countries exchanging various goods and products,” ”, adds a joint communiqué in part.
The JPC, established in 1987 and reinforced in 2018 with a cooperation framework signed in Maputo, aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors. Ambassador Kabonero noted that the commission is built on the strong historical bonds forged during the liberation struggles against colonialism, and reinforced by recent high-level visits by Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Filipe Jacinto Nyusi.
