Uganda and Cuba have once again signed another Memorandum of Understanding, this time on Trade cooperation.
This is the 3rd cooperation agreement being signed by the two nations after two others which were signed in September last year.
The agreements signed in September include; The Collaboration Agreement in the fields of Science, Technology, and Innovations which was signed between the National Secretariat of Science, Innovation and Technology (Uganda) and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Cuba) penned on September 14, 2023.
Another agreement is The MOU on Regular Diplomatic Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Uganda) and that of Cuba, signed on September 15, 2023.
According to Uganda’s Vice President Maj Jessica Alupo, during her two-day visit to the Cuban capital-Havana for the Heads of State of the G-77 plus China on Science, Technology and Innovations Summit, which took place from 15-16 September 2023, the two agreements were signed and she also officially re-opened the Uganda Embassy in Havana.
This reopening was also attended by Hon. Bruno Rodriguez Parilla, the Cuban Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Alupo who is also the Katakwi district woman MP, during a bilateral meeting with the visiting Cuban First Vice President H.E Salvador Antonio Valdes, described the signing of the trade cooperation MoU as another significant milestone in furthering the bilateral cooperation between the two sister countries.
“I am glad Hon. Bruno is here to sign yet another important MOU on Trade cooperation. We look forward to effective implementation of all the signed MoUs to boost our economic and political cooperation to higher levels” the Ugandan No.2 said during the bilateral meeting.
She noted that the MoU that the two ministers signed today also focuses on barter trade between Uganda and Cuba.
“It is my expectation that during your stay in Uganda, your team and the experts on the Uganda side will initiate discussions on the modalities for implementation of the barter trade arrangements” she advised, adding that H.E Salvador’s visit provides an opportunity for the two countries to continue discussions and exchange views on bilateral and other important international issues.
She emphasized the importance of this meeting saying it also enables the two countries to explore new areas of cooperation, further deepen relations, and take them to higher levels.
CONGRATS TO CUBA
Alupo on behalf of Uganda, commended Cuba for its effective Presidency of the Group of G-77 and China since 12 January 2023 and also thanked them for skillfully guiding the work of the Group over the last 12 months.
“My special thanks go to Hon. Bruno for the great efforts in supporting the work of the Group of G-77. As Uganda takes over the Chairmanship of the Group, we look forward to your continued support and guidance during our tenure and as we work towards implementation of the Kampala Declaration” the VP said.
She also congratulated Cuba upon having hosted Science, Technology, and Innovations Summit, from 15-16 September 2023 which she said achieved a high level of success and has a large bearing on the proposed Outcome Document to be adopted in Kampala during this 3rd South Summit.
The Second-In-Command said Uganda looks forward to working with Cuba during our Chairmanship this year 2024.
“Uganda is ready to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Cuba on all issues and would wish to see trade issues taken up seriously to match the two countries’ political cooperation,” the workaholic VP said.
She wished the visiting team a safe and successful stay in Uganda and also urged them to find an opportunity in the future to come back for a longer stay and enjoy Uganda’s endowment.