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DIPLOMACY
📍 Maseru, Lesotho 🇱🇸
Uganda and the Kingdom of Lesotho have agreed to establish a Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC), marking a significant step towards enhancing their bilateral and economic ties.
The landmark decision was reached during a key meeting held at the foreign affairs ministry headquarters in Maseru on Monday (May 27).
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Lesotho, Amb. Paul Amoru and Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Lejone Mpotjoane represented their respective countries.
Also present at this meeting in Lesotho’s capital was Principal Secretary Thabang Lekhela.
At the meeting, Mpotjoane praised Amoru for his steadfast commitment to strengthening and expanding co-operation between Uganda and Lesotho.
The proposal for a Joint Framework of Co-operation — either as a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) or a Joint Bilateral Commission — aims to establish a platform for discussing and formalizing sectoral memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
The key areas of co-operation identified during the discussions include education, agriculture (specifically coffee production and exchange), and renewable energy.
Others are information and communication technology (ICT), and tourism.
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Tourism is a sector of mutual interest for Uganda and Lesotho
On his part, Amoru highlighted the potential for increasing trade volumes and fostering a balanced relationship that benefits both nations, citing the longstanding trade partnership between Uganda and Lesotho.
He also emphasized the cultural exchanges between the countries, focusing on their shared values and traditional African heritage.
There are some 200 Ugandan families living in Lesotho that are contributing to various sectors such as education, health, NGOs, and the informal economy.
With this presence in Lesotho, the ties between the business communities of both countries have strengthened, promoting bilateral trade and investment.
It is nine months since Amoru presented his credentials to King Lestsie III of Lesotho at the Royal Palace in Maseru.
During the function, he delivered to the monarch a message of friendship and brotherhood from Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.
▪️ Lesotho king receives message of friendship from Museveni
Meanwhile during Monday’s meeting Maseru, Amoru underlined the importance of the visa-free policy between Uganda and Lesotho, describing it as a symbol of trust that has facilitated social and economic benefits through open borders.
He was in the company of two Ugandan businessmen: Andrew Mukiibi and and a one Norman, who has extensive operations in South Africa and Lesotho and expressed interest in constructing students’ accommodation in Maseru.
Mukiibi, of Federal Foods, is looking to expand his fresh fruits and vegetables venture, which currently operates in Kempton Park, Johannesburg (South Africa).
His business supplies organic produce such as pineapples, avocados, sweet potatoes, and bananas.
Minister Mpotjoane reiterated Lesotho’s strong commitment to collaborating with Uganda to enhance economic productivity for mutual benefit.
He also announced plans for Lesotho’s prime minister to visit Uganda at the earliest opportunity.
The acting principal secretary was tasked with drafting the JBC agreement, which will be shared with the Ugandan High Commission for further input.
Amoru’s visit to Maseru began last Friday (May 24).
His schedule included meetings with the leadership and members of the Ugandan community in Lesotho, engagements with the foreign affairs ministry hierarchy, and connections with private sector actors in Lesotho.
He was also accompanied by Richard Bob Opio, the Second Secretary of the Uganda High Commission.
The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria said it is dedicated to fostering robust bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Uganda and Lesotho, aimed at sustaining mutually beneficial growth and development.
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