News in Brief:
– Uganda and the UAE see agriculture and technology as key areas for strengthening their bilateral ties.
– The African country seeks to supply food to the Middle East and use imported technology to add value to its agricultural products.
Uganda’s Foreign Minister, General Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, met with media in Dubai to discuss the potential for strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through collaboration in agriculture and technology.
During the interview, Gen. Abubakhar highlighted the complementary nature of the two countries’ economies, emphasising Uganda’s strong agricultural sector and the UAE’s advanced technological capabilities.
He expressed belief that this synergy can benefit both nations: Uganda could supply food to the UAE and, in turn, acquire UAE technology to enhance the value of its agricultural products, ultimately leading to improved livelihoods for the Ugandan population.
Additionally, the foreign minister highlighted the positive trajectory of Uganda-UAE relations, citing increased high-level visits and expanding flight connectivity between the two countries.
These developments, according to Abubakhar, demonstrate the growing importance and strength of the bilateral relationship, which he believes has the potential for further expansion.
Expanding cooperation beyond agriculture and technology
Beyond agriculture and technology, Uganda seeks to broaden cooperation with the UAE in the areas of international security and economic development, prioritizing the growth of business partnerships.
Furthermore, Minister Abubakhar expressed Uganda’s desire for the UAE’s cooperation in promoting peace and development in the Horn of Africa, citing the region’s current state of fragility. He emphasised the significance of the UAE’s geographic proximity to East Africa and expressed hope for their collaboration in ending violence and fostering development in the region.
Finally, he commended the UAE’s successful organization of the UN Climate Conference (COP28) in Dubai last December. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made at COP28 in implementing the Paris Agreement and highlighted the potential for Uganda, as the current chair of the G77+China developing countries bloc, and the UAE, as the former COP28 chair, to work together in addressing the challenges of climate change.
