Honorable Minister,

Excellencies and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished guests,

Today we are celebrating the Grand Opening of Doğtaş’s first Home Furniture Concept Store in Uganda.

I thank all our friends who share the joy of this occasion with us.

As you know, this year we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment ofdiplomatic relations between Turkey and Uganda.

In cooperation with Ugandan authorities, in particular with Honorable Kyambadde and my brother Ambassador Mubiru Stephen, Uganda’s top diplomat in Turkey, we have prioritized the development of trade and investment relations between our two friendly countries.

I know most of you know that in the garment sector Uganda is particularly interested in Turkish products. Yet, Turkey provides excellent quality and affordable prices in many other sectors that could benefit to Ugandan customers.

As you know, the Customs Union with the European Union helped us create a high quality and technologically advanced manufacturing sector.

Furniture is also a very competitive sector. We already have a number of Turkish investors who have discovered the potential of Uganda. Not just for trading, but also for producing locally.

More than just selling products made in Turkey to Ugandan market, I believe it’s important to bring in the Turkish know-how in services sector.

[Improvised part on investment and job creationin Uganda; business fora organized in 2019 and the enhancement of visa procedures at the Embassy]

Turkey and Uganda share a lot in common, in particular a young and dynamic population. We both have rich natural resources; peaceful, safe and stable countries in difficult geographies. We are also the largest recipients of refugees in our respective continents.

I believe that by sharing our experiences and resources, we will support each other in achieving our respective sustainable development targets.

In 2019, we worked hard with our Ugandan friends to enhance bilateral relations in every field. We have a number of draft agreements on the table, in the fields of education, culture, military and defence cooperation, trade, as well as investment.

I am hopeful that as we conclude these agreements in the near future, the excellent relations between our friendly countries will further contribute to the welfare of our respective citizens.

Bassebo ne Banyabo,

Nsanyuse okubalaba. Mwebale kujja!

Nsanyuse okubeera nammwe leero.

Mungeri y’emu, leero tujaguza emyaka attaano
ag’enkolagana ennungi wakati wa Butuluuki ne Uganda.

Neebazza abo-bonnà abakola enyo okukuuma enteggera-gana
wakati wa mawanga-gaffe.

Mwebale nyo, mwebalire-ddala!

With this, letme now offer the floor to our distinguished Guest of Honor: Honorable Amelia Anne Kyambadde, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives.

Honorable, welcome back from Turkey. Kulika yo.

I hope you havehad a fruitful trip to my country and that you have returned back with good impressions.

You have the floor.