KAMPALA | ADDIS ABABA — Uganda and Ethiopia have taken a bold step to strengthen their long-standing bilateral ties by signing eight major cooperation agreements.
The move, announced at the 4th Session of the Uganda-Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission in Addis Ababa, marks a new chapter in regional collaboration.
Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo, led a high-powered delegation of ministers from trade, agriculture, transport, and internal affairs.
Ethiopia’s side was steered by its Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Gedion Timothewos, alongside ministers responsible for trade, regional integration, and other key sectors.
Welcoming the Ugandan delegation, Dr. Timothewos said the Ethiopian government was honored to host the meeting. He stressed that this session came at a crucial time for the Horn of Africa, urging for tighter coordination to tackle regional challenges, particularly terrorism.
He also praised the ongoing cooperation over Nile water usage, calling it a model for equitable and reasonable resource sharing.
Gen. Odongo echoed similar sentiments, stating that the commission’s revival—after a six-year gap—showed both countries’ unwavering commitment. He described the talks as a platform to elevate diplomatic, economic, and security relations.
The two-day talks culminated in the signing of eight memoranda of understanding. These covered key areas, including:
- Bilateral air services and aviation training
- Industrial and energy sector cooperation
- Agriculture, animal industry, and fisheries
- Trade development and water resource management
- Aircraft accident and incident investigation
Both ministers pledged to follow through on all agreements. “This session is not the end but a building block,” Gen. Odongo noted. “Together, we’ll transform these ideas into action.”
The renewed energy in Uganda-Ethiopia relations signals deeper collaboration in diplomacy, infrastructure, and security—at a time when East Africa needs unity more than ever.
