Kampala, Uganda – Uganda and Ethiopia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade, investment and air connectivity. The commitment was made during a courtesy call meeting between Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Adonia Ayebare, and H. E. Etsegenet Bezabih Yimenu the Ambassador of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to Uganda at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala on 19 August 2026.
Amb. Yimenu conveyed warm congratulations from Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hon. Ayebare. She expressed confidence that Uganda’s foreign policy under his leadership would continue to contribute to regional peace, integration and shared prosperity. The two officials reviewed the state of Uganda-Ethiopia bilateral relations and agreed on the need to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Trade and investment were identified as key areas with potential to strengthen economic ties, while improved air connectivity was highlighted as important for facilitating business, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
As part of efforts to advance the bilateral agenda, the two sides welcomed plans to convene a mid-term review of the Uganda-Ethiopia Joint Ministerial Commission in the near future. The meeting is expected to assess progress made under existing commitments, address outstanding matters and explore new opportunities for cooperation. The discussions also covered multilateral issues of common interest, including the forthcoming 32nd Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP32), which will be hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Uganda and Ethiopia underscored the importance of COP32 as an opportunity for African countries to strengthen a common position on climate action. Particular emphasis was placed on advancing Africa’s priorities in climate adaptation and securing increased access to climate finance. The meeting highlighted the longstanding ties between Uganda and Ethiopia and the shared interest in translating diplomatic relations into practical economic and regional cooperation.
Photo Credit: Denis Mulima
