The Second Uganda-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission commenced today at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala and will continue from Monday, September 16th to Thursday, September 19th, 2024. Ambassador Richard Kabonero, Head of Regional Economic Cooperation at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and Mozambique as the second session of the Uganda-Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) began today.
Established in 1987 and further reinforced in 2018 with a cooperation framework signed in Maputo, the JPC aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors. Kabonero highlighted the strong historical bonds between the two countries and the recent high-level visits by Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, stating that it is essential to build upon this foundation.
Kabonero stressed the need to update progress on presidential directives and finalize bilateral agreements, especially in political, security, and economic realms. He expressed confidence that bolstered bilateral ties would lead to economic and social progress for both nations, fostering a robust trade and investment relationship between Uganda and Mozambique.
H.E. Amb. Ermengildo Caetano, the Director for Africa in the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and head of the Mozambique delegation, identified key areas for discussion such as politics, defence, environment, agriculture, transport, infrastructure, mineral resources, and energy. He encouraged the officials present to appreciate the historical bond and recent collaborative efforts, aiming to conclude more bilateral agreements. The three-day meeting will focus on trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The outcomes of the Commission are expected to play a significant role in regional economic cooperation and development, fostering deeper relations between Uganda and Mozambique within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The trade relationship between the two countries is active and diverse, with both parties exchanging various goods and products. Recent visits by the presidents and the establishment of the Uganda-Mozambique JPC have strengthened their bilateral ties.
Trade data indicates a substantial trade relationship between Uganda and Mozambique, with products being exchanged in both directions. Uganda imported tools and vessels from Mozambique in recent years, demonstrating the dynamic nature of their trade ties. This information was distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.