Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, joined the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Uganda in commemorating the Kingdom’s 96th National Day.

In his remarks, Hon. Kasolo noted that the relations between Uganda and Saudi Arabia are founded on mutual respect, constructive diplomatic engagement and shared interests in peace, development and prosperity. He observed that the longstanding friendship between the two countries has continued to grow into practical cooperation in areas including trade, investment, education, health and labour mobility. The Minister emphasised that economic cooperation remains one of the most promising pillars of the bilateral relationship. He noted that Uganda welcomes stronger Saudi partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, coffee, meat and dairy, fisheries, fruits and horticulture, minerals, tourism, science and technology, as well as digital infrastructure.

Hon. Kasolo further highlighted labour mobility as an important link between the two countries, noting that thousands of Ugandans are working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour cooperation between the two countries.

He also pointed to tourism and diplomatic cooperation as areas with significant potential for deeper engagement, building on Uganda’s natural beauty and the two countries’ shared interest in regional stability, sustainable development and effective international cooperation.

On matters of international peace and security, Hon. Kasolo expressed serious concern over the continued loss of innocent lives and the suffering of civilians resulting from armed conflict and the use of force. He reaffirmed that the protection of human life and the dignity of civilians must remain paramount, stressing the obligation of all parties to respect international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

The Minister called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and emphasised the urgent need to protect civilians and ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance to populations affected by conflict. He stressed that the preservation of civilian life and dignity must remain at the centre of international efforts towards a sustainable cessation of hostilities and a lasting political settlement.

Hon. Kasolo called upon the international community to intensify coordinated efforts towards credible, inclusive and peaceful processes for the resolution of conflicts through the mechanisms of the United Nations and in accordance with international law. He underscored that respect for international humanitarian and human rights law is essential to achieving lasting and sustainable peace.

In conclusion, Hon. Kasolo reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to lasting peace founded on respect for human life, sustainable security anchored in the protection of civilians, and durable solutions to conflicts through dialogue and peaceful settlement. He called upon all parties to conflicts and the international community to place the preservation of human life at the centre of efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, uphold international law, and advance just, comprehensive and lasting peace.