Uganda and Pakistan have held their first-ever political consultations, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations.
The talks, held in Kampa on Friday, were preceded by courtesy calls from the Pakistani delegation on Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeje Odongo.
Both ministers expressed their pleasure at the strengthening ties between the two countries, with Minister Odongo noting that Uganda and Pakistan could cooperate in areas such as agro-processing, mineral development and ICT.
The consultations themselves were led by Ambassador Charles Senteongo for Uganda, and Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary, Hamid Asghar Khan.
During the talks, the two sides discussed a range of bilateral, regional and international issues, and signed a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in areas including trade, security and culture.
“We have set the stage for greater collaboration between our two ministries, and by extension, our two governments,” said Ambassador Senteongo. “I want to believe that we shall progressively unpack these aspirations into concrete actions, for the benefit of our countries.”
Mr Khan thanked the Ugandan government for its hospitality, and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening ties with Uganda.
The two nations have agreed to hold further talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, at a later date.
