Rwanda, Uganda continue cooperation talks today in Kigali

Kigali, Rwanda | XINHUA | The 11th Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda on Wednesday met in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, aimed at discussing areas of cooperation between the two neighboring countries, the first such forum since the normalization of relations.

The three-day meeting signaled that both sides are committed to ongoing efforts to revitalize relations as well as deepen trust, according to the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The 11th JPC between Rwanda and Uganda is a milestone in bilateral cooperation as it demonstrates the renewed commitment that both countries have embarked on to revive historical cooperation,” said Shakilla Umutoni, the director general of Africa at the ministry, while opening the meeting.

The commission was revived in September 2022 during a meeting between Ugandan and Rwandan senior government officials in Uganda.

The meeting will also discuss areas where more efforts are needed to strengthen partnerships in the implementation of joint projects, according to officials.

Wednesday’s meeting was preceded by a bilateral technical meeting on trade held Tuesday to identify available opportunities and challenges faced by the cross-border business community in both countries.

Elly Kamahungye, director of regional and international affairs at Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the audience that both sides at the technical meeting were able to find the best ways of resolving issues to facilitate the smooth flow of goods and services between the two countries.

“We remain committed to the ongoing process of consultations and discussions and urge both Ugandan and Rwandan officials to remain flexible, dedicated and create the required conducive environment for business to thrive,” he said.