Uganda, DR Congo to boost security, trade ties

ANKARA (AA) - Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni said Monday improvement in road infrastructure with DR Congo was a step to boost bilateral trade and social ties and to enhance security cooperation between the two states, local media reported.

Museveni’s remarks came after a two-day visit of DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi to Uganda started on Saturday, during which the two leaders witnessed signing of memoranda of understanding on infrastructure, security and tourism, according to Uganda’s State House.

The visit’s agenda also included Tshisekedi’s attendance to the first ever Uganda-DRC Business Forum hosted by Uganda, according to The East African website.

“We are going to improve road infrastructure including the Mpondwe-Beni, Goli-Bunia, Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma roads and the bridge across river Semuliki to Bunya. This will improve trade, social issues and will guarantee security,” Museveni was quoted by the Kampala Post as saying apparently in reference to the agreement between the two countries to develop road networks.

“It is clear that he understands where prosperity of the people comes from. Modern prosperity comes from business. If we have factories, we sell more, expand and also provide goods and services for the population,” Museveni added.

In turn, Tshisekedi thanked Museveni, expressing his hope for “a long relationship between the peoples of Uganda and D.R. Congo,” according to the Kampala Post.

“I thank my elder, President Museveni, from the bottom of my heart. I know who he is, his vision for the region and for Africa. I am aware of his other vision of integration and prosperity of Africa. I would like to say that his vision tallies with mine. I am here to see how to push this vision further,” he was quoted by the Kampala Post as stating during joint press conference with Museveni.

Tshisekedi's visit was the second of its kind to Uganda since he came to power early this year.