KAMPALA – The outgoing Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda, H.E. Seyed Mortazayi, has listed a cocktail of unexplored opportunities presented to Uganda during his tenure, avenues he said would deepen trade and investment ties.
Mr Seyed, who on Monday 21, 2020 bade farewell to Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, said Iran continues to remain a reliable partner of Uganda.
“During my term, I tried to expand the economic and political relations; I tried to bring in several delegations including experts on ICT; the Ugandan side did not seize the opportunity. I now hope the Ugandan side will seize the opportunity,” said Seyed.
“I hope that during the tenure of the new Ambassador, we will deepen the trade and economic relations between the two countries,” he added.
The South to South Summit, which Uganda planned to host in April but was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, would see Uganda and Iran sign a series of bilateral deals on trade, energy, technology and agriculture.
Mr Seyed said upon easing of travel restrictions, the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani will visit and sign the trove of deals with his counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni, urging Parliament to ratify the deals once signed.
The Speaker said Uganda’s relations with Iran will grow from strength to strength, saying the needed interventions to plug the gaps will be made.
Relatedly, Speaker Kadaga also met with H.E. Kazuaki Kameda, the outgoing Ambassador of Japan to Uganda and thanked him for supporting infrastructure growth in the country.
The Speaker and H.E. Kazuaki Kameda at the courtesy call to bid farewell
“A lot has been done between the two countries, especially the infrastructure projects; you have supported our schools in terms of constructing several dormitories that have kept children in school,” said Kadaga.
Kadaga said the incoming ambassador should focus on having a direct air link to Tokyo, which will help in deepening trade relations between the two countries.
“We have this problem of air link between Uganda and Tokyo, we hope this will be addressed to ease trade and investment between the two countries, she said.”
