The government of Uganda and that of Finland have held the first ever political consultations held at the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala.
The Ugandan delegation was led by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs while Pasi Hellman, the Undersecretary of State for International Development, Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Finland led the Finish delegation.
“In this regard, I am glad to note that our relations are anchored on firm ground, and we are satisfied by the support and cooperation with Finland. I am convinced that, the start of these political consultations will open a new chapter to further cement these relations, and pave way for more engagement in other strategic sectors, such as trade, investment, tourism and energy,” Oryem said on Friday.
He said the consultation will birth a new chapter of close ties between the two countries.
“For Uganda, holding these consultations, less than a year after we signed the Memorandum of Understanding, is a clear demonstration of the importance that the Government of Finland attaches to the strengthening of our bilateral relations, and cooperation on international matters of interest.”
The minister said the consultation have come at a time when the world is facing sveral challenges including peace and security at a regional level; through a delayed global recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; to climate change and increasing humanitarian crises.
“This is all happening in the midst of aspirations for socio-economic development, prosperity and transformation at national level. More than ever, therefore, such challenges call for enhanced cooperation, collaboration and partnership, at bilateral, regional and international levels.”
Pasi Hellman welcomed the consultations that he said will see both countries bolster their ties.
“Our bilateral trade has not been good but through these consultations, we can create stable and stronger economic relations in terms of the agriculture, energy and infrastructure sectors among others,” Hellman said.
In 2022, Uganda exported goods worth $6.82 million to Finland and these included Coffee , vegetables and oily seeds .
In the last 27 years, the exports of Uganda to Finland have increased at an annualized rate of 7.41 to $6.82M in 2022.
In the same year, Finland export goods worth $4.41 million to Uganda and these included Kraft Paper, Stone Processing Machines, and Padlocks.
