Russia Endorses Uganda’s Candidacy for BRICS Partnership

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with Ugandan Foreign Minister Gen. Jeje Odongo on the sidelines of the First Ministerial Conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi.

The meeting, part of a broader event aimed at consolidating Russia-Africa relations, underscored the commitment of both nations to advancing shared interests and expanding cooperation.

In his opening remarks, Lavrov welcomed Odongo, expressing his pleasure at Uganda’s participation in the conference, which is an extension of agreements made during the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg in 2023.

“We cooperate with our African friends, including Uganda, in implementing the Declaration and the Plan of Action approved in St Petersburg in 2023,” he said.

Lavrov praised Uganda’s diplomatic efforts, especially those of President Yoweri Museveni, describing them as grounded in “fairness, mutual interest, and mutual respect.” Lavrov highlighted the countries’ cooperative efforts at international platforms, including the United Nations, where Uganda’s balanced stance on global issues aligns with Russia’s own positions.

He further commended Uganda’s peacekeeping contributions through the African Union, specifically in conflict zones like Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lavrov reiterated Russia’s support for Uganda’s bid to join BRICS as a partner country, which was endorsed at the BRICS Summit in October 2024, enhancing Uganda’s diplomatic stature and influence.

The two ministers discussed their countries’ positions on pressing international challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to reinforcing bilateral ties across economic, cultural, and political arenas.