By Caroline Kanshabe
The Deputy Speakers of the Legislatures of Uganda and China have committed to continuing cooperation to maintain a strong relationship between the two countries. This commitment was reiterated during a meeting between the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, and the Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen.
The meeting, held on Thursday, 23 November 2023, was attended by Chairpersons of Committees of Parliament and a delegation from the Chinese Legislature.
Addressing the meeting, Tayebwa commended China for its longstanding relationship with Uganda, dating back to pre-independence times. He highlighted the consolidated cooperation in political, security, economic, social, cultural, and scientific disciplines.
Tayebwa appreciated China’s support in various areas, including hosting the Group of 77 and China meeting in Kampala in January 2024.
Tayebwa expressed gratitude for China’s role in reforming the UN Security Council and reiterated Uganda’s commitment to push for equal representation for Africa. He praised China’s support in tackling Covid-19 in Uganda, trade development, and industrial park establishment.
Tayebwa affirmed Uganda’s commitment to the one China Policy and encouraged investors to consider Uganda’s tourism sector.
The Deputy Speaker committed the Ugandan Parliament to strengthen cooperation with China, assigning Hon. Dicksons Kateshumbwa to head the Uganda-China Parliamentary Friendship Group. H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen emphasized the strong cooperation between the two countries, highlighting Uganda as an important cooperative partner in the Belt and Road Initiative in Africa.
The Chinese delegation acknowledged Uganda’s critical role in safeguarding the common African position at the UN Security Council. H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen pledged continued support for Uganda in defending national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and regional peace and security. China expressed its commitment to working with Uganda on various issues, including human rights, counter-terrorism, poverty reduction, climate change, health, and trade.
H.E. Luosang Gyaltsen assured ongoing encouragement for Chinese companies to invest in Uganda, creating more job opportunities and promoting the construction of industrial parks. The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts between the two leaders.
