Ethiopia and Uganda have reconvened their Joint Ministerial Commission after a six-year break, aiming to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as trade, security, and diplomacy. The two-day meeting, which began on Wednesday in Addis Ababa, marks the fourth session of the commission since its establishment in 1993.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Ugandan Foreign Minister Odongo Jeje Abubakhar led a large delegation, which included senior officials from various sectors such as trade, investment, transport, energy, and defense. In his opening speech, Abubakhar emphasized the importance of reviving the commission, which last met in 2019.
“We are committed to fostering bilateral cooperation and advancing our shared interests,” he said. “This commission provides a crucial platform for us to review our progress, address emerging challenges, and chart a new course for our partnership.”
Ethiopian Ambassador to Uganda, Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu, echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for stronger collaboration, particularly in defense, security, and economic development.
Key Areas of Focus
The discussions are centered around three main clusters:
Political and Diplomatic Affairs – Reviewing foreign relations, regional cooperation, and policy alignment.
Defense and Security Cooperation – Addressing security concerns and strengthening defense collaboration.
Economic Development – Tackling trade barriers, improving market access, and enhancing investment opportunities.
Both countries are expected to engage in in-depth discussions to resolve trade challenges, improve immigration cooperation, and promote regional stability.
Deepening Regional Cooperation
The meeting comes at a time when Ethiopia and Uganda are seeking to deepen economic ties and work together on regional peace and security initiatives. Ugandan Ambassador to Ethiopia, Rebecca Amuge Otengo, stressed the importance of regular engagement to ensure sustained progress in their partnership.
As the commission resumes its work, both nations hope to overcome past challenges and create a framework for long-term cooperation that benefits their citizens and economies.
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