Uganda has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Azerbaijan after the State Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello, travelled to Baku on April 3, 2026 as a special envoy of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Oryem held talks with Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Samir Sharifov, and delivered a formal invitation from Museveni to President Ilham Aliyev to attend Uganda’s presidential inauguration set for May 12, 2026. He also handed over a second message urging Azerbaijani investors to explore opportunities in Uganda’s key sectors. These include agriculture, tourism, minerals, science and technology, and oil and gas.
Both sides praised the strong ties between the two countries, which marked 30 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. They agreed that the existing political goodwill should now translate into stronger economic cooperation.
The officials discussed plans to fast-track agreements such as a Bilateral Investment Treaty and a deal to avoid double taxation. They said these steps would help ease trade and attract more investment between the two countries.
During the visit, officials from both countries also held their third round of political consultations. They reviewed progress since the last meeting in August 2025 and welcomed the recent implementation of a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports, which took effect on April 1, 2026.
Uganda and Azerbaijan agreed to work together in sectors such as agriculture, energy, ICT, tourism, minerals, and oil and gas. Azerbaijan said it will send a joint government and private sector business delegation to Uganda later in 2026, with dates to be agreed through diplomatic channels.
Azerbaijan also pledged to increase scholarships for Ugandan students and offer training opportunities for Ugandan diplomats. Both countries further committed to supporting each other in international platforms, including the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.
