Uganda and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their longstanding bilateral relations, with a focus on trade, investment, agriculture and socio-economic transformation.
The commitment was reaffirmed during a farewell meeting between the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, also known as Salim Saleh, and the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, Frederieke Quispel.
The meeting, held at Gen. Saleh’s farm in Nakaseke, focused on strengthening cooperation in key areas including trade, investment, agriculture, aquaculture, value addition, enterprise development and socio-economic transformation.
Gen. Saleh commended the cordial relationship between Kampala and The Hague, describing it as beneficial to the people of both Uganda and the Netherlands. He also praised Ambassador Quispel for her dedication and contribution towards strengthening relations between the two countries during her two-year tour of duty in Uganda.
The two sides noted that Uganda-Netherlands relations have evolved from a partnership largely centred on development assistance into a modern relationship driven by commerce, innovation, agriculture and sustainable economic transformation.
Ambassador Quispel reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to continued cooperation with Uganda and support for shared development priorities as she takes up new responsibilities at the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The partnership between the two countries has supported cooperation in sectors including agriculture, horticulture, dairy production, renewable energy, logistics and agribusiness. It has also contributed to the development of agricultural value chains, climate-smart farming, food processing and enterprise development.
Gen. Saleh wished Ambassador Quispel success in her next assignment, noting that her tenure had further strengthened the foundation for future collaboration between Uganda and the Netherlands.
