Uganda and the Kingdom of Lesotho have agreed to establish a Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC), signaling a profound step towards enhancing their bilateral and economic relations.
This milestone decision was reached during a pivotal meeting held at the headquarters of the foreign affairs ministry in Maseru on Monday, May 27.
Representing their respective countries at this meeting were Uganda’s High Commissioner to Lesotho, Amb. Paul Amoru, and Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister, Lejone Mpotjoane. Also in attendance was Principal Secretary Thabang Lekhela.
During the discussions, Mpotjoane commended Amoru for his unwavering commitment to strengthening cooperation between Uganda and Lesotho.
The proposal for a Joint Framework of Cooperation, presented either as a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) or a Joint Bilateral Commission, aims to establish a platform for formalizing sectoral memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
Identified key areas of cooperation during the meeting include education, agriculture (with a focus on coffee production and exchange), renewable energy, information and communication technology (ICT), and tourism.
Amoru emphasized the potential for increasing trade volumes and fostering a balanced relationship beneficial to both nations. He highlighted the longstanding trade partnership between Uganda and Lesotho and emphasized the cultural exchanges and shared traditional African heritage.
The presence of approximately 200 Ugandan families in Lesotho has contributed to various sectors such as education, health, NGOs, and the informal economy, further strengthening ties between the two nations’ business communities and promoting bilateral trade and investment.
Amoru’s visit to Maseru, which began on Friday, May 24, included engagements with the leadership and members of the Ugandan community in Lesotho, discussions with the hierarchy of the foreign affairs ministry, and interactions with private sector actors in Lesotho.
During the meeting, Amoru also highlighted the importance of the visa-free policy between Uganda and Lesotho, emphasizing its role in facilitating social and economic benefits through open borders.
Minister Mpotjoane reiterated Lesotho’s commitment to collaborating with Uganda to enhance economic productivity for mutual benefit. He announced plans for Lesotho’s prime minister to visit Uganda at the earliest opportunity.
The acting principal secretary was tasked with drafting the JBC agreement, which will be shared with the Ugandan High Commission for further input.
The Uganda High Commission in Pretoria reaffirmed its dedication to fostering robust bilateral relations and economic cooperation between Uganda and Lesotho, aimed at sustaining mutually beneficial growth and development.
