High-level officials from Ethiopia and Uganda have convened yesterday in Addis Ababa for the fourth session of their Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two East African nations. The meeting, held at the Skylight Hotel, served as a platform to evaluate existing collaborations and chart a course for enhanced cooperation across various sectors.
Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedion Timothewos, in his opening address, underscored the JMC's significance as a crucial mechanism for reviewing and advancing the robust relationship shared by Ethiopia and Uganda. He expressed his conviction that this session would provide a valuable opportunity to further solidify bilateral ties and foster greater cooperation, built on a foundation of shared vision and mutual respect.
Minister Gedion also emphasized the critical importance of joint efforts, particularly in addressing the growing regional challenges, and voiced optimism that the outcomes of the JMC would not only elevate bilateral relations but also contribute to broader peace, stability, and prosperity within the region.
Echoing these sentiments, Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, General Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, lauded the thriving relations between the two countries. “The 4th Session of the JMC is another building block to propel our bilateral relations to greater heights,” he stated unequivocally, reaffirming Uganda’s dedication to cultivating a strong and cooperative partnership with Ethiopia.
Discussions during the JMC meeting centered on a range of vital issues, including diplomatic consultations, the critical matter of transboundary water management, regional peace and security initiatives, and enhanced cooperation in key economic sectors such as trade, energy, immigration, tourism, agriculture, and transport.
The high-level meeting culminated in a significant step towards closer cooperation with the signing of a bilateral Air Services Agreement. Furthermore, seven Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, encompassing a diverse array of collaborative areas, marking a tangible outcome of the commitment to deepen the partnership between Ethiopia and Uganda.