JOINT COMMUNIQUE BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA AND THE REPUBLIC OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA ON THE OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT TO UGANDA BY HIS EXCELLENCY OBIANG NGUEMA MBASOGO, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, paid a two-day State Visit to the Republic of Uganda from 26th to 27th April, 2017. His Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasogo was accompanied by Ministers and Senior Officials of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

2. The State Visit provided an opportunity for strengthening further the existing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Uganda and Equatorial Guinea. The two Heads of State held official talks in a cordial atmosphere on a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

3. The Heads of State agreed on the need to boost cooperation between the two countries in the sectors of oil and gas, agriculture, food security, environment, mineral resources and energy, trade, industry and investment, services, culture and tourism, transport and communications, defence and security, education and sports, education, science and technology, urbanization and infrastructure.

4. Their Excellencies also witnessed the signing of a Framework Agreement on Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the two countries, a Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Consultations between the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs on matters of mutual interest, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the field of Oil and Gas.

5. Their Excellencies directed their responsible Ministers to convene an inaugural meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission within the next twelve months to develop specific action plans for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the various sectors. The two Leaders also encouraged private sector associations and chambers of commerce in both countries to explore opportunities for trade and investment.

6. In line with the commitment by the two Heads of State on sharing of knowledge and experience in the field of oil and gas, His Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasogo delivered a Keynote address during the Oil and Gas Convention and Regional Logistics Expo that took place on 27th April 2017 at Kampala Serena Hotel.

7. The Heads of State concurred on the urgent need to combat the increasing threats of terrorism on the African continent and agreed to enhance security and defence cooperation between the two countries.

8. The two Heads of State exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, and reiterated their commitment to continue their efforts towards achieving peace, stability and sustainable development in Africa.

9. His Excellency President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo commended the role of His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni in addressing conflicts on the African continent, and in particular in the Great Lakes Region. His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni, on his part, commended His Excellency President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for his able leadership during his tenure as Chairman of the African Union and for defending the interests of Africa.

10. The two Leaders urged the African Union and the United Nations to redouble their efforts to ensure that peace and security prevail on the African continent.

11. Both Heads of State reiterated their commitment to strengthen further the ties of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

12. His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni expressed his support for Equatorial Guinea’s candidacy for Non-Permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2018-2019.

13. At the end of the State Visit, His Excellency President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo expressed his deep gratitude to his Brother Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, the Government and people of Uganda for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during his stay in Kampala.

14. His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni expressed his profound gratitude to His Excellency President Obiang Nguema Mbasogo for honouring his invitation and for the fruitful discussions they held.

15. His Excellency Obiang Nguema Mbasogo invited His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to visit Equatorial Guinea. The invitation was gladly accepted, and the date will be fixed through diplomatic channels.

Done on 26th April 2017 in Kampala in English and Spanish languages, both texts being equally authentic.

FOR THE GOVERNMENT
OF THE REPUBLIC
OF UGANDA
______
HON. SAM K. KUTESA
Minister of Foreign Affairs / FOR THE GOVERNMENT
OF THE REPUBLIC
OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA
______
HON. AGAPITO MBA MOKUY
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation

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