UGANDA DELEGATION ATTENDS RUSSIA-AFRICA PARTNERSHIP FORUM IN SOCHI, RUSSIA
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar led a Ministerial delegation for the 1st Ministerial Russia-Africa Partnership Forum in Sochi, Russia from 9th to 10th November 2024. He was accompanied to the meeting by Minister of State for Trade, Hon. Gen. Wilson Mbadi. In his address, to the meeting, Hon. Odongo recalled the historic role that Russia (then Soviet
Union) played to support the independence struggles of many African nations thereby leading to the strong and robust diplomatic relations, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to progress, which African countries have enjoyed with Russia since independence “Africa will never forget the friendship, support, and assistance from Russia during the turbulent
years of the Cold War and in the fight against Apartheid” he said.
With reference to Uganda’s role as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, Hon. Odongo called for UN member States to re-commit themselves to revitalizing and strengthening multilateralism, sovereignty of nations and co-existence based on the norms of international law. “The United Nations faces its greatest challenge of legitimacy and we must, using this platform, advocate for strengthening the central coordinating role of the United Nations in world affairs, even when the powers of the United Nations appear to be eroding,” he said.
Recalling the Ezulwini Consensus on the Reform of the UN Security Council, Gen. Odongo reiterated the position that within the United Nations Security Council, Africa has demanded and will continue to do so, that reforms are undertaken so that permanent seats with veto powers, are given for Africa; in addition to securing more non-permanent seats for Africa, adding that this would make the UN Security Council more equitable, democratic and balanced to play its role in the maintenance of international peace and security.
In addition to the Ministerial Meeting, the Uganda delegation attended a Business Meeting of the Ministerial meeting at Sirius University, a Bilateral Inter-Ministry Meeting on Biological Security, a Roundtable on Preventing Arms Race in Outer Space and a Thematic Event on Counter-terrorism.
On the sidelines of the meeting, a bilateral meeting between Hon. Jeje Odongo and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov took place. They held discussions which would culminate in a series of agenda-setting engagements going forward. Recalling H.E. President Y.K. Museveni’s participation in the St. Petersburg Summit in 2023, H.E. Lavrov appreciated the role that Uganda
plays in peacekeeping missions across Africa, noting Uganda’s balanced position in international affairs. H.E. Lavrov applauded Uganda’s consistent emphasis on the principles of justice and mutual respect in international affairs.
Note:
The Africa-Russia Partnership Forum has met twice at Summit-Level. The Second Summit took place in Petersburg in July, 2023. The Ministerial Meeting that took place in Sochi on 9 – 10 November, 2024 was the first of its kind under this Forum.
