Uganda, Latvia Sign Bilateral Agreements to Boost Cooperation in Aviation and Diplomacy

Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, has concluded a successful two-day working visit to the Republic of Latvia from May 11th to 12th, 2025, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding avenues for cooperation between the two nations.

Hon. Odongo was the Guest of Honour at the 2nd Latvia & Countries in Africa Business Forum, held under the theme “Advancing Resilience and Development through Digital Solutions.” The high-level forum brought together policymakers and business leaders to explore opportunities in digital innovation and sustainable development.

During his visit, the Ugandan Foreign Minister held bilateral talks with his Latvian counterpart, H.E. Baiba Braze. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations. Both ministers agreed to convene the second round of diplomatic consultations in Riga later this year.

In a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity, Hon. Odongo also met with Latvia’s Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Atis Svinka. The two ministers signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, opening up possibilities for direct flights and increased cooperation in the aviation sector.

Latvia Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže with Ugandan Foreign Minister Odongo Jeje Abubakhar and in a reception in honor of the African Forum

The Ugandan delegation was hosted to a working lunch by Latvian Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Artjoms Ursulskis. The lunch was also attended by Ms. Ingrid Circene, Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group on Cooperation with Africa.

In addition to official meetings, Hon. Odongo interacted with a team of Latvian documentary filmmakers who recently returned from Uganda after filming a hiking expedition in the Rwenzori Mountains.

The delegation also held discussions with the Latvian State Forests company, which is currently exploring a partnership with the Government of Uganda to introduce a forestry geo-spatial management digital platform.

A meeting with the Latvian IT cluster showcased a range of digital solutions in telecommunications, lighting, electricity grid management, and language localization that could be customized for Uganda’s development needs.

Hon. Odongo was accompanied by Amb. Margaret Otteskov from Uganda’s Embassy in Copenhagen, Mr. Christopher Kasozi of the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Michael Abooki Karugaba from the Embassy in Copenhagen, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala—Mr. James Wafula Bichachi and Ms. Nina Mbabazi Rukikaire.

Hon. Odongo also met with Latvia’s Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Atis Svinka. The two ministers signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement

The visit marks a new chapter in Uganda-Latvia relations, with both nations pledging to build on the momentum to foster greater cooperation in diplomacy, transport, environmental management, and digital innovation.