The Honorable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Oryem Henry Okello held a bilateral meeting with Her Excellency Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwewe, Secretary General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Kampala.
The meeting served as a pivotal platform for dialogue and collaboration, focusing on the forthcoming 22nd COMESA Heads of State and Government summit, slated to convene later this year. Both dignitaries engaged in constructive discussions aimed at ensuring the successful organization and execution of this significant gathering, which holds profound implications for regional cooperation and development within the COMESA framework.
Furthermore, the deliberations encompassed an extensive review of the various programs and initiatives currently being implemented by COMESA. In this regard, Hon. Minister Oryem and H.E. Ms. Kapwewe explored avenues to enhance collaboration and synergy in advancing these initiatives, with a particular emphasis on bolstering infrastructure development across the COMESA region.
Of notable significance was the discourse surrounding the augmentation of COMESA’s infrastructure development fund, aimed at catalyzing comprehensive and sustainable infrastructure projects within member states. Both parties underscored the importance of robust infrastructure in fostering economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and facilitating trade and commerce within the COMESA community.
In light of the fruitful discussions held during the meeting, Hon. Minister Okello Oryem expressed his profound gratitude to H.E. Ms. Chileshe Mpundu Kapwewe for her invaluable insights. He reiterated Uganda’s steadfast commitment to the ideals and objectives of COMESA and reaffirmed its unwavering support towards the realization of shared goals and aspirations.
Similarly, H.E. Ms. Kapwewe extended her sincere appreciation to Hon. Minister Oryem for the warm reception and productive exchange of ideas. She commended Uganda’s exemplary leadership and reiterated COMESA’s dedication to fostering robust partnerships and collaborations in advancing regional integration and development initiatives.
The meeting concluded on a note of optimism, with both dignitaries expressing confidence in the prospects of strengthened cooperation and solidarity among COMESA member states. They pledged to continue working towards the advancement of mutual interests and the realization of the collective vision for a prosperous and interconnected COMESA region.
