Uganda and Turkmenistan strengthen bilateral relations through high level talks Uganda and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following high-level diplomatic talks focused on trade, education, tourism, energy, and cultural cooperation.
The meeting, organized by Ambassador Twaha Matata, Chargé d’Affaires at Uganda’s Embassy in Tehran (which is also accredited to Turkmenistan), was hosted by a Ugandan diplomatic delegation led by Ambassador Leonard Mugerwa. He welcomed H.E. Mr. Yazkuli Mammedov, Head of the Middle East and African Countries Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, for discussions aimed at expanding engagement between the two countries across several strategic sectors.
Officials from both sides described the talks as productive and forward-looking, emphasizing the importance of transforming longstanding goodwill into practical partnerships that promote economic growth, cultural understanding, and institutional cooperation. During the discussions, the Turkmenistan delegation commended Uganda’s hospitality, stability, and natural beauty, while also encouraging greater international appreciation of African countries and their development potential.
Trade and investment were central to the bilateral discussions, with both sides identifying key areas for collaboration including natural gas, textiles, agriculture, coffee production, and manufacturing. Turkmenistan highlighted its expanding natural gas exports and growing textile industry, particularly in denim and export-oriented fabric production, as potential areas for partnership.
Agriculture was also emphasized, with focus on poultry exports, food processing, and value addition in coffee production to enhance competitiveness and increase export earnings. Both delegations agreed on the need to organize business forums and trade exhibitions alongside future political consultations to promote private sector engagement and investment opportunities. Education and cultural diplomacy were identified as important pillars of cooperation. The two sides proposed academic exchange programs, collaboration between universities and diplomatic academies, and joint training initiatives in diplomacy and international relations. They also discussed cultural festivals and exchange programs aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties.
Tourism promotion featured prominently, with encouragement for greater visibility of African destinations, particularly Uganda’s national parks, wildlife, and eco-tourism potential. The discussions also covered collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, including coordination on diplomatic initiatives and future state visits. Both sides explored the possibility of visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders to ease official travel and enhance engagement.
Participants noted recent high-level exchanges as a sign of growing momentum in bilateral relations, with additional engagements and agreements expected through 2027. The meeting concluded with both delegations expressing appreciation for the cordial discussions and reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue and long-term cooperation.