Uganda Takes Lead on Africa’s Integration and Innovation at Antalya Diplomacy Forum

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, participated in a panel discussion at the ongoing Antalya Diplomacy Forum, held under the theme “Connecting Africa: A Prospect for Continental Integration.” The Forum was held from April 11th to 13th, 2025.

During the panel, Hon. Odongo underscored the critical need to enhance connectivity across Africa through improved infrastructure, trade facilitation, and digital integration.

He emphasised the urgency of fostering continental integration by advancing value addition, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), transitioning Africans into the money economy, and establishing a single continental market.

Bilateral Engagements on the Sidelines

On the margins of the Forum, Hon. Odongo held a series of bilateral meetings with H.E. Yvangil Pinto, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and the two sides discussed strengthening Uganda-Venezuela relations.

They agreed to expedite negotiations and conclude Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) across various sectors and committed to holding the Uganda–Venezuela Joint Permanent Commission in September 2025. They also exchanged views on global issues of shared concern, including support for Uganda’s chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

He also met H.E. Jurai Blanar, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, on enhancing bilateral cooperation. The Ministers agreed to develop a formal cooperation framework between Uganda and Slovakia and explore opportunities for collaboration within international fora.

In a regional context, Hon. Odongo met with the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to strengthening their longstanding ties.

The Ministers focused on fostering regional peace, particularly in South Sudan, Sudan, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for coordinated East African Community (EAC) efforts through African-led solutions.

In a meeting with H.E. Olivier Nduhungirehe, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, both parties discussed regional stability and bilateral cooperation. They highlighted the importance of addressing emerging regional challenges through a comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable approach to peace and security.

Additionally, Hon. Odongo held discussions with Mr. Deodat Maharaj, Managing Director of the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries. Their conversation explored potential areas of collaboration, including capacity building and the implementation of science, technology, and innovation projects in Uganda.