President Yoweri Museveni is in Sochi for the Russia-Africa Summit slated for today and tomorrow.
The summit, which is the first of its kind, will be co-chaired by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and the President of the Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the chairperson of the African Union.
The summit, taking place at the Sirius Park of Science and Art in Sochi, (one of Russia’s largest convention venues), is being held under the theme: Uncovering the Potential for Co-operation.
The meeting seeks to discuss potential ways of strengthening and expanding Russia’s relations and areas of cooperation with Africa, in the political, social and economic matters. At least 36 heads of African states have confirmed attendance and are expected to be joined by other leaders of major organizations across the world.
Museveni, who is accompanied by his daughter Diana Museveni Kamuntu, is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Putin and different leaders from Africa and delegations from the Moscow government.
According to a State House release, the different engagements are aimed at exploiting partnerships in areas of space science and technology, modern agro production, including the use of modern technologies, as well as partnerships with foreign companies, to develop a vibrant agro-industrial sector.
Russia is one of the largest suppliers of agricultural products in Africa today and is ready to develop this segment further.
Welcoming the heads of state and governments to Russia, Putin, in a message from his office, stated that African countries are on their way towards social, economic, scientific and technological development, and are playing a significant role in international affairs.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you at the opening of the Russia-Africa Economic Forum,” he said.
The President’s delegation includes: foreign affairs minister Sam Kuteesa and Minister of Science & Technology, Innovation Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye and Uganda’s ambassador in Moscow, Johnson Olwa