Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called Uganda a key partner in the southern Nile Basin, saying Cairo hopes the East African country will be among the main beneficiaries of Egypt’s development support for the region.
Sisi made the remarks Tuesday during the Egypt-Uganda Businessmen Forum, opened in Cairo alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
He praised the forum’s organization, which brought together leading business figures from both countries.
“This forum reflects the depth of the extended bonds of friendship between Egypt and Uganda, as well as their firm determination to expand partnerships across various fields of cooperation for the benefit of their peoples,” Sisi said.
Egypt aims to boost economic cooperation and double the current $133 million in annual trade with Uganda, according to Sisi. He called for the rapid formation of the Egyptian-Ugandan Joint Business Council, more exchanges of business delegations, and increased exports in areas such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, building materials, and electrical appliances.
He described the gathering as a practical step toward turning strong political ties into concrete projects, based on a “win-win” approach.
Sisi said the private sector in both countries should drive growth in trade and investment, with governments ensuring the legal and political frameworks are in place to support them.
“Egypt, as always, extends its hand to Uganda — as a partner, brother, and friend — within a framework of mutual respect and shared interests,” he said.
In a separate development, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mulimba John, met with Ethiopian counterpart Ambassador Hadera Abera on Thursday.
“The discussions focused on further deepening the longstanding bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, with particular emphasis on economic cooperation and regional peace and security,” the ministry reported.
