Ethiopia and Uganda Strengthen Ties to Tackle Regional Challenges
Ethiopia and Uganda engage in bilateral talks aimed at strengthening trade and cooperation to address shared challenges, including violent extremism and regional stability. Ethiopian State Minister Ambassador Mesganu Arga and Ugandan Minister Hon. John Mulimba reaffirm their commitment to deepen relations, notably in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area and upcoming Joint Ministerial Commission meetings. Both nations emphasize collaborative efforts for a sustainable future in the Horn of Africa.
On November 28, 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, engaged in discussions with Ugandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. John Mulimba, focusing on matters of bilateral and regional significance. The talks underscored the robust relations between Ethiopia and Uganda, emphasizing the need for enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, and joint responses to pressing challenges such as violent extremism, environmental degradation, and climate change.
Ambassador Mesganu expressed a strong desire to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to bolster trade links between the two nations. He highlighted the necessity for both countries to collaborate on transnational issues and resource management while ensuring regional peace and security, specifically addressing ongoing conflicts in neighboring Sudan.
In response, Hon. Mulimba reaffirmed Uganda’s dedication to deepening its partnership with Ethiopia and emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach to the regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa. He called for equitable strategies in utilizing shared resources, advocating for a pan-African perspective on distribution and cooperation.
To formalize these discussions and initiatives, both parties concluded their meeting by agreeing to convene the Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission in Addis Ababa early next year, which is expected to further reinforce their bilateral relations across multiple sectors.
The discussions held between Ethiopian and Ugandan officials are set against the backdrop of evolving regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa, a region facing numerous shared challenges like instability, security threats, and environmental issues. Both countries recognize the necessity of cooperative frameworks to tackle these problems and utilize their resources efficiently. The African Continental Free Trade Area presents a significant opportunity for economic collaboration, which both nations aim to harness to improve trade relations and enhance overall regional stability. The ongoing conflict in Sudan serves as a pertinent example of the types of challenges that require a united front and collaborative solutions among neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the recent discussions between Ethiopia and Uganda mark a significant step toward deepening bilateral relations focused on mutual interests and regional stability. The commitment to address shared challenges such as violent extremism and climate change reflects an understanding of the interconnectedness of their nations. Furthermore, the upcoming Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission presents an opportunity to solidify partnerships and foster economic growth through collaborative initiatives. Such cooperation is not only beneficial for both countries but also crucial for peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.ena.et
