INAUGURAL SESSION OF POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN UGANDA AND PAKISTAN, HELD IN KAMPALA
The Government of the Republic of Uganda and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, through their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs, successfully held the inaugural session of Political Consultations in Kampala on Friday, 17th January 2025.
Ahead of the technical level talks, the Pakistan delegation paid courtesy calls on Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oryem Henry Okello on January 16th and Hon. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar Minister of Foreign Affairs on January 17th 2025. Both Ministers expressed pleasure that Uganda and Pakistan were setting the stage for formalization of the framework to trigger a more vibrant relationship, further noting that Uganda and Pakistan can hold vigorous programs in Agro-processing, mineral development and invest in ICTs.
The Ugandan delegation to the signing of the MoU was led by Ambassador Charles Ssentongo, Chief of Protocol and Ag. Permanent Secretary, while the delegation from Pakistan was headed by H.E. Mr. Hamid Asghar Khan, Additional Foreign Secretary. The session marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two nations, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Political Consultations. The MoU demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in political, economic, commercial, scientific, technical, and cultural
domains at both bilateral and international levels. During the consultations, held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, the delegations discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to promoting peace and security at the regional and international levels and expressed their commitment to deepening the partnership between Uganda and Pakistan.
Key topics of discussion included enhancing bilateral cooperation, advancing regional diplomatic relations, and addressing shared concerns on international and multilateral platforms.
Amb. Ssentongo said that the discussions set the stage for greater collaboration between both Ministries, and by extension both Governments, while also setting the stage for enhancing people-to-people interaction and engagement. “I want to believe that we shall progressively unpack these aspirations into concrete actions, for the benefit of our countries,” he said.
H.E. Mr. Hamid Asghar Khan extended gratitude on behalf of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended by the Government of Uganda during his delegation's stay in Kampala.
The two sides agreed to hold the Second round of Political Consultations in Islamabad, Pakistan on mutually agreed dates, signaling their commitment to sustaining this platform for dialogue and cooperation. This inaugural session underscores the shared values and aspirations of Uganda and Pakistan to foster closer ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
