Joint Communiqué issued at the end of the State Visit to South Africa by His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, 21 – 22 January 2011.
At the invitation of the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, paid a two day State Visit to South Africa from 21 to 22 January 2011.
His Excellency President Museveni was accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Museveni, Ministers, Senior Government Officials and a business delegation.
President Museveni’s visit followed President Zuma’s first memorable State Visit to Uganda in March 2010 during which the two countries emphasized their determination to further strengthen and expand cooperation in the fields of agriculture, environment and water affairs, trade, investment, science and technology, social development, energy, defence and public works.
The two Presidents held fruitful discussions and reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They also expressed their mutual satisfaction with the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries and emphasized their determination to further strengthen and expand cooperation in amongst others the fields of tourism, arts and culture, education and health.
The two Heads of State noted with satisfaction the deepening trade relations between the two countries as manifested by the recent inaugural technical session of the Joint Trade Committee in Pretoria on 6 -7 December 2010.
The two Heads of State addressed the Uganda/South Africa Business Forum held in (place), which attracted business entrepreneurs from both countries, aimed at promoting joint ventures, trade and investment in the two countries. During the Business Forum, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI) and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) concerning the establishment of the South Africa-Uganda Business Council.
The Presidents acknowledged that trade flows between the two countries are not only critical for the two nations to develop, but equally important in building a cohesive force that places emphasis on intra-Africa trade as an important ingredient towards full regional integration. South Africa and Uganda are also positive that within the processes of the EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite Arrangement, progress can be made towards its realization. Success in building the envisaged Tripartite Free Trade Area, would create a single market, with all its attendant economic opportunities, of more than 400 million people. The respective Ministers of Trade and Industry will use the Joint Trade Committee, as a platform to consult each other and share information on issues required for the effective progress of the negotiations.
The two Heads of State witnessed the signing of the MoUs and Agreements of Cooperation in the Fields of Public Works and Infrastructure, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Social Development and Trade and Industry. These MoUs and Agreements will further enhance the consolidation and expansion of the bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Uganda.
The Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to the consolidation of the Africa Agenda and reiterated their commitment to working together in promoting peace and security in the region. To this end, they congratulated the people of Southern Sudan, the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission and Bureau on the peaceful and well conducted referendum. South Africa and Uganda are furthermore hopeful that outstanding post-referendum issues such as the referendum for Abyei, border demarcation, natural resources and economic issues, citizenship, security and other issues will be resolved in an expeditious manner that will benefit all parties involved.
The Presidents further reflected on the crisis in the Ivory Coast and the mediation efforts made by ECOWAS, as well as those of Prime Minister Odinga as the representative of the African Union Commission in the mediation process, to ensure that a successful political outcome is found for the current crisis. The Presidents took note of the recent political unrests in Tunisia and called upon the interim President, Mr. Faud Mebaza, and all Tunisian political parties to jointly cooperate in restoring democracy.
President Museveni briefed President Zuma on political developments in the East African region, particularly with regard to regional integration and the current situations in Somalia. On Somalia, President Museveni briefed President Zuma on the new operational plan to strengthen AMISOM, the enforcement of the no fly zone and the blockade, in particular in Kismayu. President Museveni called for support for the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in its efforts to include more political groups in the political process within the framework of the Djibouti Agreement; as well as in its efforts to improve the delivery of services. The two Presidents agreed on the need for more predictable support for AMISOM and encouraged more African Union countries to contribute troops to AMISOM.
In turn, President Zuma briefed President Museveni on the latest developments in Madagascar and Zimbabwe. On Madagascar, President Zuma expressed his concern about the continuing political impasse in that country which threatens the prospects of achieving sustainable political stability and economic development in the interest of the Malagasy population. South Africa will continue to support the efforts by the SADC Mediator, former Mozambican President Chissano in assisting the Malagasy civil society in facilitating an Inter-Malagasy National Dialogue, as well as in the holding of democratic elections and a return to constitutional normalcy. On Zimbabwe both Presidents concurred on the need for the lifting of international sanctions and the implementation of the GPA.
In this regard, the two Heads of State called on their fellow African leaders, particularly, in Sudan, Ivory Coast, Somalia, Zimbabwe and Madagascar to show the necessary political will for a solution to the serious problems affecting their countries and indeed the African Continent, with a view to consolidating cooperation within the African Union and and amongst sub-regional Organisations.
The two Presidents renewed their call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to afford the African continent a fair representation and to make it democratic, effective and accountable. In this regard, South Africa congratulated Uganda on its excellent contribution made during their tenure in the Security Council during the period 2009-2010.
His Excellency, President Museveni also conveyed to His Excellency, President Zuma Uganda’s congratulations following South Africa’s successful election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2011 to 2012. In this regard, President Zuma assured his counterpart that South Africa will continue to champion and advance the African Agenda and collaborate with other African member states in pursuing issues of mutual benefit during the two-year tenure at the United Nations Security Council.
During the visit, His Excellency President Museveni visited the Freedom Park where President Museveni received a briefing by Minister Mashatile and during which President Zuma and President Museveni conducted a wreath laying ceremony.
His Excellency President Museveni also accompanied His Excellency, President Zuma to the commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana, a place where the Zulu Warriors defeated British Troops.
His Excellency President Museveni congratulated South Africa for successfully hosting the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, an event which made Africa proud.
At the conclusion of the State Visit, His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma, the Government and people of South Africa for the fraternal reception and warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation during the visit.
Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation 460 Soutpansberg Road Rietondale
