Hon. John Mulimba, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation of the Republic of Uganda with H.E. Ambassador Albert Shingiro,Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi after signing the Joint Communique at closing of the 3rd Session of the Uganda – Burundi Joint Permanent Commission 24th March 2022
Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, John Mulimba, has said while the political and diplomatic relations between Uganda and Burundi have been cordial, the products of peace are yet to be optimally harnessed to promote trade relations between the two countries as they remain low (actually the lowest in the East African region).
He made the remarks during the 3rd session of the Burundi – Uganda Joint Permanent Commission held from 22nd – 24th March 2022 in Bujumbura, Burundi.
“Uganda and Burundi are land linked countries and this session is mandated to deliberate on infrastructure development projects that address our geographical location challenges aiming at making both countries land linked through appropriate road and railway networks that provide easy access to world markets,” Minister Mulimba said.
He added: “There is therefore need for us to work together to promote bilateral trade relations between Uganda and Burundi, if the attainment of the socio economic transformation agenda by our two countries, and the improvement of the welfare of our two peoples is to be realized in the context of the East African Community and the African Union Agenda 2063.”
The Minister said that Uganda is ready to work with Burundi to ensure that all that is required in terms of conducive policy environment is put in place so that bilateral trade levels between the two countries are enhanced.
Uganda reiterated its commitment to work with Burundi to explore all possibilities of ensuring that the physical and communication infrastructure is enhanced to boost the smooth flow of trade between the two countries.
The 2nd Session of the Burundi Uganda Joint Permanent Commission was held in Kampala on 26th -28th August 1991. It therefore has taken too long to hold the 3rd Session.
The Minister thanked the Government of the Republic of Burundi, for the tireless efforts they have exerted to have this Session convened in Bujumbura.
Burundi and Uganda enjoy cordial and historical bilateral relations which have been characterized by regular exchange of visits at all levels of Government including the Heads of State.
This has also seen two countries come to the aid of each during extreme moments of need. Uganda has also been involved in the peace making process to restore peace and stability in Burundi over the past two decades.
“Uganda therefore reiterates its unwavering commitment and readiness to continue working with Burundi to have these relations strengthened further for the mutual benefit of the two countries,” Mulimba said.
Mulimba also commended both countries for their spirit of Pan-Africanism and constructive engagement exhibited in their commitment to support regional peace and security initiatives against terrorism not only in Burundi and Uganda, but also in the region under the auspices of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) as well as African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
He said Uganda and Burundi were the first troop contributing countries to deploy in Somalia under AMISOM.
The 4th session of the Burundi-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission will be hosted by Uganda in 2023 on a date to be mutually agreed upon.
“It is important to note that holding of JPCs regular basis is critical in reviewing the status of implementation of agreed upon decisions and to explore new areas of cooperation. Against this background, Uganda pledges to ensure that the next session is held on schedule and a proposed date will be communicated through usual diplomatic channels,” the Minister said.
