President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed his gratitude to China for its solidarity towards Uganda’s political decisions and journey.
The President was speaking at a meeting with a representative from the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. Yang Jiechi, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, met with Museveni on Sunday 21st February 2021 at State house.
The President emphasized the potent role played that the China communist party has played since its ascent to power in China in 1949, which now makes its relationship with Africa over 70 years long.
Ever since 1949 when the communist party came to power in China, African freedom fighters have been working with China. Therefore our cooperation is now more than 70 years old, working with our elders, Nkrumah, Nyerere, Nasser. Therefore we are very happy with Chinese solidarity.
President Museveni
The meeting was intended to strengthen further political, trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Trade between China and Uganda has increased under Museveni’s presidency. Even within the last 10 years, the amount of trade between the two nations has more than quadrupled, from around $230 million in 2008 to over $1 billion in 2018. The majority of this trade is Chinese exports to Uganda, which account for about $850 million in trade.
China also supports infrastructure within Uganda through loans. Uganda currently has about $1.6 billion in loans to China. These loans largely finance major infrastructure projects. These loans typically pay for Chinese contracting work on these mega-projects.
The Chinese emissary emphasized the strong role that Uganda plays in regional relations and went ahead to congratulate Museveni on his re-election to presidency in the just-concluded January general elections.
Uganda has played an important role in the peace, stability and development of this region. Your re-election last month speaks volumes on the trust the people have in you and to your continued presidency.
Yang Jiechi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
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