Uganda, Ethiopia Vow to Strengthen Economic Ties and Security Cooperation

Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation, Mulimba John, has met with Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hadera Abera, to chart new paths for deepening the two nations’ bilateral relations.

The talks, held on Thursday in Addis Ababa, focused on strengthening cooperation in economic development, investment, and regional peace and security.

Uganda and Ethiopia, both key players in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) — pledged their commitment to joint action on issues of mutual concern.

Ambassador Hadera called for regular Joint Ministerial Commission meetings as a way to fast-track implementation of agreements and address emerging challenges.

He also emphasized Ethiopia’s interest in boosting collaboration under regional and continental frameworks, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Minister Mulimba reiterated Uganda’s commitment to honoring existing agreements and forging new ones to advance trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement.

He stressed Kampala’s dedication to maintaining peace in the Horn of Africa, noting that security stability was a prerequisite for economic prosperity.

Both sides agreed to work closely in combating terrorism, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring the fair and equitable use of transboundary water resources, a sensitive topic in the region.

They also pledged to champion the principle of “African solutions to African problems” in resolving continental disputes.

The meeting builds on decades of cordial relations between Kampala and Addis Ababa, with both governments signaling a renewed determination to match political goodwill with tangible projects.