Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s working visit to the Republic of Uganda

On July 25-26, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited the Republic of Uganda on the first visit of this level in the history of Russia-Uganda relations. He was welcomed in the city of Entebbe by President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and conveyed President Putin’s personal message to him. The Russian Foreign Minister also held talks with Foreign Minister of Uganda Jeje Odongo.

The new geopolitical reality that is taking shape in the wake of the unprecedented sanctions campaign unleashed by the collective West under the pretext of countering Russia’s special military operation to protect the republics of Donbass was discussed in detail at a meeting with President Museveni. The sides shared overlapping assessments regarding the importance of ensuring food security in the developing world, including the African countries. Sergey Lavrov confirmed Russia's unwavering commitment to honouring its obligations related to exporting supplies of critical foods to the countries in need, including the corresponding package of agreements reached on July 22 with the involvement of the UN.

When discussing pressing matters related to further strengthening bilateral ties, it was stated with satisfaction that our countries have much to show for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Trade is growing strongly, parliamentary and interparty ties are deepening, and cooperation in education and healthcare is expanding.

The sides reviewed ways to increase the pace of interaction in trade, economic and investment partnerships, including the implementation of joint projects in oil refining, energy, transport infrastructure and agricultural production. The potential for introducing digital technologies in industry and the service segment was noted.

It was decided to focus on practical efforts to move the above areas of focus forward in the course of an Intergovernmental Russian-Ugandan Commission on Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation meeting in October.

Sergey Lavrov and Jeje Odongo had a detailed exchange of views on the most important items on the global and African agendas. The ministers reviewed in depth the situation in the Great Lakes Region and other hot spots in Africa. They reinforced Moscow and Kampala’s mutual commitment to expand interaction and to coordinate positions at the UN and other multilateral venues. The ministers noted the constructive potential of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) soon to be chaired by Uganda for building a broad consensus with an eye towards creating a truly just and polycentric world based on the fundamental universal values ​​enshrined in the UN Charter. As an observer state in the NAM, Russia is willing to take part in this work.

Particular attention was paid to preparing and holding the 2nd Russia-Africa summit in the summer of 2023.