Visit of H. E. Mr. Asuman Kiyingi, Ugandan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to Pakistan

H. E. Mr. Asuman Kiyingi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and In-charge of Regional Cooperation of the Republic of Uganda is currently on an official visit to Pakistan.He is accompanied by Ambassador of Uganda to Pakistan, based in Tehran.

Mr. Kiyingi called on the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, and held official talks with the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Adviser conveyed Pakistan’s interest in further strengthening cooperation with Uganda in all fields of mutual interest. In particular, he underscored the need to make efforts to enhance bilateral trade. Pakistan is a leading exporter of rice to Uganda.

During the official talks both sides emphasized the need for high-level political contacts and enhancing cooperation in the fields of agriculture, industry, defence and security. It was agreed to conclude at an early date, MoU on Bilateral Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Pakistan and Uganda. Mr. Kiyingi was also apprised of the regional situation and Pakistan’s commitment to have good relations with neighbouring countries.

In response to the Prime Minister’s invitation to the President of Uganda extended last year, Mr. Kiyingi conveyed that his President was looking forward to his visit to Pakistan, in the second quarter of 2015.

For many years now, Pakistan has been offering training facilities to Uganda under its Technical Assistance Programme. So far, 21 diplomats of Uganda have received training at the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan under this programme. During the meeting, Syed Tariq Fatemi reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to offer such training facilities to Uganda.

During his stay in Pakistan, Mr. Kiyingi will have meetings at the Board of Investment (BOI), Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. He would also be visiting Lahore.

Islamabad
2 March 2015

63/2015