Kampala, Uganda – Hon. Adonia Ayebare, Minister of Foreign Affairs, received copies of Letters of Credence from H.E. Ange’le Van Der Heijden-Samura, Ambassador-designate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala.
During the meeting, Hon. Ayebare and Ambassador Van Der Heijden-Samura discussed the longstanding bilateral relations between Uganda and the Netherlands, with emphasis on strengthening cooperation and advancing areas of mutual interest.
Uganda and the Netherlands have maintained cordial diplomatic relations for several decades, with cooperation extending across a range of sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, development cooperation, education, health, climate action and sustainable development.
The Netherlands remains an important European partner for Uganda, with bilateral relations also supported by private-sector partnerships and development initiatives aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The two countries have continued to explore opportunities for increased economic engagement, including investment, trade and value addition, while cooperation in development and climate-related areas remains an important component of the bilateral partnership. The engagement between the Foreign Affairs Minister and the Ambassador-designate provided an opportunity to reaffirm the shared commitment to deepening relations and identifying new areas of collaboration that can deliver mutual benefits to the peoples of Uganda and the Netherlands.
As she begins her diplomatic assignment, Ambassador Van Der Heijden-Samura is expected to engage with Ugandan government institutions, diplomatic partners, the private sector and other stakeholders to advance the Netherlands’ bilateral agenda in Uganda. Her assignment comes at a time when Uganda continues to place emphasis on strengthening international partnerships that support national development priorities, expand economic opportunities and enhance cooperation on global and regional challenges.
The presentation of the copies of the Letters of Credence therefore marks an important step in the Ambassador’s official engagement with the Government of Uganda and provides a foundation for continued high-level dialogue between the two countries. The meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Uganda and the Netherlands’ shared interest in maintaining their longstanding partnership while exploring emerging opportunities for cooperation in areas of mutual benefit.
