Uganda, Kenya reaffirm commitment to strengthening ties

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen Jeje Odongo has said Uganda is committed to bolstering its ties with Kenya.

 “The Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Kenya enjoy a common heritage and a shared history of friendship, through years of exceptional cooperation and mutual understanding. In addition to exchange of high-level visits, we have signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in various fields that have further consolidated and strengthened our relations,” Gen Jeje Odongo said.

“The bond that exists between our countries is built on a solid foundation of common values, aspirations, and a shared vision for prosperity of our people “

He was on Tuesday speaking during the closing ceremony of the second Joint Ministerial Commission between Kenya and Uganda  at Sheraton Hotel Kampala.

The Ugandan foreign affairs minister said Article 4 of the agreement establishing the Uganda-Kenya Joint Ministerial Commission enjoins the  two countries to pursue cooperation initiatives in specific sectors including trade and investment; immigration and customs; energy and natural resources development; defense and security; health services; standards and quality assurance; water and lands; tourism and culture; among others.

He said that deliberating on obstacles and challenges to doing business and endeavour to resolve outstanding and emerging issues will go a long way in further bolstering the ties.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi reiterated his country’s commitment to strengthen ties with Uganda .

“Over the years, Uganda and Kenya have continued to enjoy warm and cordial relations. Kenya considers the Joint Ministerial Commission  to be a testament of our continued commitment to consolidate and strengthen these relations. I am confident that  this meeting will further anchor our existing relations espoused by a rich historical background,”Mudavadi said.

 He said that Kenya and Uganda have demonstrated remarkable social and economic interlinkages that have yielded rapid transformation in both economies, adding that these interlinkages out to continue.

“The profound friendship between our two countries is the cornerstone of the shared socio-economic endeavors that will propel our national development programmes and the African Union Agenda 2063 to realize the aspirations of our people.”