April 11, 2025
The Fourth Joint Ministerial Commission between the governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Uganda was successfully held on April 4, preceded by a senior officials’ meeting on April 3.
The Joint Ministerial Commission was co-chaired by Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda.
In his opening remarks, Minister Gedion emphasized the need for cooperation on the full implementation of the Cooperative Framework Agreement. He called on the Government of the Republic of Uganda, as the current chair of the Nile Council of Ministers, to use its leadership to promote regional cooperation and the equitable and reasonable utilization of the Nile Waters. In addition, he stressed the importance of collective efforts and coordination between Ethiopia and Uganda to counter terrorism in the region and to enhance cooperation on the situation in South Sudan by working closely with IGAD.
Minister Odongo Jeje Abubakhar underscored the commitment of both countries to maintain a vibrant, productive relationship, describing the ties between Ethiopia and Uganda as among the most enduring—reinforced by a shared vision, common values, and the aspirations of Pan-Africanism, regional peace, security, and integration. He also expressed the Government of Uganda’s readiness and commitment to implement all agreed-upon positions arising from the Fourth Session of the JMC, with the aim of elevating bilateral relations to new heights.
In conclusion, the Commission considered and approved the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding, in addition to a Bilateral Air Services Agreement. Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the areas of the energy sector, water resources development and management, industry, aviation training, aircraft accident and incident investigation, and trade cooperation by the respective ministers in attendance.