Ambassador Arthur Kafeero, Ag Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has said that the bond between South Africa and Uganda did not come out of the blue but was forged over several decades of struggle.
He was speaking at the opening session Second Joint Session of Uganda – South Africa Commission for Cooperation held at Serena Hotel in Kampala on Thursday, July 7, 2022.
He said the two countries should leverage this bond to harness opportunities for peace, stability and prosperity for the two peoples.
“We have endured the COVID19 pandemic which impacted on our countries and also our ability to interface the way we are doing today. It is my hope therefore that meetings of our joint commission for cooperation will be held more regularly as envisaged to deepen our relations and cooperation,” said Amb Kafeero.
The last session of the JCC discussed and made decisions in 4 clusters namely; Economic; Defense, Security, Law and Order; Social Development and Political.
According to him, whereas some progress has been made in the implementation of some of the decisions, there remains a lot to be done.
“It is essential that this JPC, which is an important framework for our bilateral cooperation, delivers practical benefits for our two peoples,” he noted.
“About five years ago, we made a paradigm shift in our foreign policy engagement with the view to ensuring that we advance the bread and butter issues of ordinary Ugandans.”
Amb Kafeero believes the objective has been (the same for compatriots in South Africa) to promote trade, investment and tourism between the two countries, with the view to eradicating poverty; increasing household incomes; and creating decent jobs for youth; thereby promoting shared prosperity for all.
Uganda and South Africa have worked together bilaterally and at a multilateral level in the pursuit of a common and shared vision for Africa.
“Our leaders have tirelessly worked together to advance the African Integration Agenda aimed at ensuring a united, strong, integrated and prosperous Africa.”
He said the two states have also been actively involved in various processes in the pursuit of Peace, Security, Stability and Development in the Great Lakes Region.
“Today’s meeting provides an opportunity to assess progress made towards the implementation of earlier decisions, explore areas of further cooperation, as well as addressing any emerging challenges. I wish to reiterate Uganda’s commitment to implement what is agreed and our readiness to explore areas of cooperation.”
The event was graced by Ambassador Ndumiso Ndima Ntshinga, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Africa and leader of Delegation and officials on both sides.