JOINT COMMUNIQUE

ON THE
OCCASION OF THE STATE VISIT TO UGANDA BY HIS EXCELLENCY FELIX
ANTOINE TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO, PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC OF CONGO, 09-10 NOVEMBRE 2019

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the

Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo,
President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, paid a two day State Visit to
the Republic of Uganda from 09-10 November 2019. His Excellency
President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo was received with full
ceremonial honors at State House Entebbe by his host His Excellency
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. His Excellency President Felix Antoine
Tshisekedi Tshilombo was accompanied by a high level delegation composed
of the Senior Minister; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Senior Government
Officials; and a high powered delegation of business executives.

2. His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni congratulated H.E. Felix Antoine

Tshiseked Tshilombo upon his successful election to the High Office of
President of the Republic. He heralded his election as a new era of hope in
the Great Lakes Region. President Museveni commended President
Tshisekedi for his resolve to take on the big challenge of structurally
transforming the Democratic Republic of Congo.

3. In a warm and brotherly atmosphere, the two Heads of State held official
talks at State House Entebbe, where they discussed a wide range of
bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest. They reviewed
the state of bilateral relations between the two countries and agreed that
there exists enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries.
They reiterated their commitment to strengthen cooperation in a wide range
of areas including trade, water, energy, trade, tourism, transport,
communication and defense, with the view to promoting structural
transformation for peace, stability and the prosperity of the two countries.

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4. The two Heads of State observed that there exists a framework for
cooperation between the two countries through the Joint Permanent
Commission (JPC), which last met in October 2018 in Kampala. They
underscored the importance of implementation of all agreed upon decisions
and directed the respective Ministers to ensure their implementation in a
timely manner.

5. The two Heads of State received a report from the Ministers on the detailed
discussions that were held between the two countries on various areas of
cooperation. They directed the Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs to
ensure speedy implementation of all the decisions.

6. The two Heads of State stressed the need to increase trade and investment
between both countries. They noted with concern the numerous trade
restrictive measures and infrastructure bottlenecks, which increase the cost
of doing business in the region. They emphasized the importance of
developing cross border infrastructure which is essential to facilitate trade
between the two countries. They identified and agreed to undertake joint
development of the following key networks within 24 months: Mpondwe-
Beni Road (977Km), Goli-Bunia Road (181 Km), and Bunagana-Rutshuru
Road (24 Km).

7. They directed the Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs, the Ministers
responsible for infrastructure development, the Ministers responsible for
trade, Ministers responsible for finance and Planning, and other key
stakeholders to meet within two months and agree on implementation
modalities for the road projects and how to deal with the other bottlenecks
to trade.

8. The two Heads of State welcomed the convening of the Joint Business
Forum on 09 November 2019 under the theme “Promoting Bilateral trade,
Investment and Connectivity for Mutual and Peace Prosperity”, as a
platform for the engagement of members of the two private sectors. They
expressed their resolve and commitment to facilitate the private sector to do
business.

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9. H.E. Felix Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO congratulated H.E. President
YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI on the recent launch of Uganda Airlines,
which is an important step in facilitating mobility and connectivity within
the region and beyond. He expressed the readiness of His Government to
support and facilitate to promote connectivity, commerce and people to
people interactions.

10. The two Heads of State reviewed the state of peace and security in the Great
Lakes Region and observed that the region still faces a number of challenges
that hinder stability and development. They agreed to work closely together,
including with other countries in the region to, inter alia: address the issue
of negative forces and other armed groups in the region, especially in
eastern DRC.

11. The two Heads of State welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement
establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the
launching of its operational phase in Niamey on 07 July 2019 during the
12th Extra Ordinary Summit of the African Union. They noted the
transformative potential of the AFCFTA in stimulating economic growth;
generating employment; and facilitating the movement of foods and services
in Africa in line with Agenda 2063, “The Africa We Want”.

12. H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni welcomed the application of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo to join the East African Community. The two Heads of
State emphasized the importance of regional integration and the critical role
it can play in promoting regional peace and stability, prosperity and
strengthening people to people contact.

13. His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed gratitude to His
Excellence President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo for honouring his
invitation and for the fruitful discussions held. His Excellency President
Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo thanked His Excellency President
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government and People of Republic of Uganda
for the warm reception and hospitably accorded to him and his delegation
during the visit.

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14. His Excellency President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo extended an
invitation to His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to visit the
Democratic Republic of the Congo. The invitation was gladly accepted and
the dates will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

DONE at ENTEBBE this…………. day of November 2019

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE

REPUBLIC OF UGANDA DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

……………………………. ……………………………….
HON. SAM K. KUTESA (MP) S.E. CELESTIN TUNDA YA KASENDE
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS VICE PRIME MINISTER, MINISTER
IN CHARGE OF JUSTICE