President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday arrived in Uganda on a two day state visit, telling his host President Yoweri Museveni in a tet-a-tet meeting that he is consulting elders in the region to see how his country can shift from a conflict zone to economic cooperation.
The two principles discussed a number of issues ranging from security to trade.
At the invitation of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo,President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, paid a two day State Visit tothe Republic of Uganda from 09-10 November 2019.
His Excellency President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo was received with full ceremonial honors at State House Entebbe by his host His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. His Excellency President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo was accompanied by a high level delegation composed of the Senior Minister; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Senior Government Officials; and a high powered delegation of business executives.
.His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni congratulated H.E. Felix Antoine Tshiseked Tshilombo upon his successful election to the High Office of President of the Republic. He heralded his election as a new era of hope inthe Great Lakes Region. President Museveni commended President Tshisekedi for his resolve to take on the big challenge of structurally transforming the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a warm and brotherly atmosphere, the two Heads of State held official talks at State House Entebbe, where they discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reviewed the state of bilateral relations between the two countries and agreed that there exists enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries. They reiterated their commitment to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas including trade, water, energy, trade, tourism, transport, communication and defense, with the view to promoting structural transformation for peace, stability and the prosperity of the two countries
The two Heads of State observed that there exists a framework for cooperation between the two countries through the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), which last met in October 2018 in Kampala. They underscored the importance of implementation of all agreed upon decisions and directed the respective Ministers to ensure their implementation in a timely manner.
The two Heads of State received a report from the Ministers on the detailed discussions that were held between the two countries on various areas of cooperation. They directed the Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs to ensure speedy implementation of all the decisions.
The two Heads of State stressed the need to increase trade and investment between both countries. They noted with concern the numerous trade restrictive measures and infrastructure bottlenecks, which increase the cost of doing business in the region. They emphasized the importance of developing cross border infrastructure which is essential to facilitate trade between the two countries. They identified and agreed to undertake joint development of the following key networks within 24 months: Mpondwe-Beni Road (977Km), Goli-Bunia Road (181 Km), and Bunagana-Rutshuru Road (24 Km)
They directed the Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, the Ministers responsible for infrastructure development, the Ministers responsible for trade, Ministers responsible for finance and Planning, and other key stakeholders to meet within two months and agree on implementation modalities for the road projects and how to deal with the other bottlenecks to trade.
The two Heads of State welcomed the convening of the Joint Business Forum on 09 November 2019 under the theme “Promoting Bilateral trade, Investment and Connectivity for Mutual and Peace Prosperity”, as a platform for the engagement of members of the two private sectors. They expressed their resolve and commitment to facilitate the private sector to do business.
H.E. Felix Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO congratulated H.E. President YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI on the recent launch of Uganda Airlines,which is an important step in facilitating mobility and connectivity within the region and beyond. He expressed the readiness of His Government to support and facilitate to promote connectivity, commerce and people to people interactions.
The two Heads of State reviewed the state of peace and security in the Great Lakes Region and observed that the region still faces a number of challenges that hinder stability and development. They agreed to work closely together, including with other countries in the region to, inter alia: address the issue of negative forces and other armed groups in the region, especially in eastern DRC.
The two Heads of State welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the launching of its operational phase in Niamey on 07 July 2019 during the12th
Extra Ordinary Summit of the African Union. They noted the transformative potential of the AFCFTA in stimulating economic growth; generating employment; and facilitating the movement of foods and services in Africa in line with Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want”.
H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed the application of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to join the East African Community. The two Heads of State emphasized the importance of regional integration and the critical role it can play in promoting regional peace and stability, prosperity and strengthening people to people contact.
His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed gratitude to His Excellence President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo for honouring his invitation and for the fruitful discussions held. His Excellency President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo thanked His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and People of Republic of Uganda for the warm reception and hospitably accorded to him and his delegation during the visit.
His Excellency President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo extended an invitation to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The invitation was gladly accepted and the dates will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.
