Ethiopia, Uganda Agree to Deepen Bilateral Relations, Regional Cooperation 

Addis Ababa, April 4, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ethiopia-Uganda Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) concluded this evening by agreeing to deepen bilateral relations in various sectors and bolster cooperation on regional issues of common interest.

The two-day meeting in Addis Ababa, culminated in the signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and issuance of a joint communiqué, outlining a shared commitment to deepen collaboration on a wide range of bilateral, regional, continental, and global issues of mutual interest. 

High-level representatives from the two countries agreed to cooperate on political and diplomatic affairs, defense and security cooperation, and economic development.

These clusters include agriculture, industry, transport, infrastructure, trade, regional peace and security, tourism, trans-boundary water management, and immigration.

Speaking on the occasion, Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos underscored the pivotal role the meeting will play in further solidifying the fraternal bonds between Ethiopia and Uganda.

 

"This highly productive session will enhance our brotherly relations", expressing his hope that a significant strengthening of cooperation in several crucial areas, including parliamentary engagement, the integrated and sustainable development of the Nile River Basin, joint endeavors in security and counter-terrorism, and concerted efforts to combat illegal migration.

He further elaborated on the vast potential for collaboration, highlighting sectors such as trade, industry, capacity-building, agriculture, energy, health, education, tourism, culture, information technology, and aviation, among others.

 

By actively engaging across this diverse spectrum of sectors, the countries will not only be able to forge a robust and resilient partnership but also to tangible benefits to citizens and solidifying regional stability and broader cooperation, the minster emphasized.

On his part,Uganda's Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo stated that the session of the joint ministerial commission arrived at a propitious moment, a time when the bilateral relations have not only endured but have demonstrably flourished.

 

The minister expressed his belief that the joint ministerial commission will serve as the final, crucial building block to propel bilateral relations to unprecedented heights, offering a platform to explore and agree upon a long-term vision for cooperation.

Odongo reaffirmed Uganda's steadfast commitment to its relationship with Ethiopia, describing it as one of the most enduring, underpinned by shared visions, values, and aspirations for regional peace, security, and the upholding of international principles.

 

The partnership serves as a guiding light for the region, and it is a relationship that the peoples rightfully take pride in, he added.

Finally, the minister extended an invitation to his Ethiopian counterpart Gedion Timothewos to attend the next session of the JMC in Kampala, which was gratefully accepted.