India- Uganda condemns all forms of terrorism

New Delhi [India], Feb.24 (ANI): India and Uganda, in a joint statement on Friday, condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed on the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight the menace. Vice President Hamid Ansari met and held bilateral discussions with President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni. "Vice President Ansari and President Museveni unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stressed that there can be no justification for any act of terrorism, irrespective of motivations, wherever and by whosoever committed. In this context, both sides underlined their shared concerns on the menace of terrorism and stressed the importance of international efforts to prevent and fight terrorism. The two leaders agreed that resolute and credible steps must be taken to eliminate safe havens and sanctuaries that provide shelter to terrorists and their activities," statement said. During the discussions, Vice President Ansari and President Museveni acknowledged the long-standing excellent historical relations that exist between Uganda and India. Both sides acknowledged the huge potential in India-Uganda bilateral relations and re-affirmed the mutual desire to strengthen economic, diplomatic, military, technical, educational, scientific and cultural cooperation between India and Uganda. In this regard, it was acknowledged that there were an estimated over 26000 persons of Indian origin in Uganda, who contribute immensely towards Uganda's national economy. The two sides agreed to encourage collaboration between India and Uganda in the area of ICT development. Uganda expressed its desire to replicate some of India's schemes for Digital Inclusion while implementing its Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) project and thanked India for deputing an ICT Expert in the Office of the Minister for ICT. India agreed to share its experience and expertise in this regard. The Vice President addressed a business event, jointly organised by the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda and Federation of India Chambers of Commerce and Industry. VP Ansari visited the Source of the Nile in Jinja and paid floral tribute at the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. VP also interacted with the Indian Community in Uganda. This is India's first bilateral visit to Uganda, since 1997 and seeks to further engage India with Africa. Vice President Ansari paid three day official visit to Uganda, with a delegation comprising Minister of State, Vijay Sampla, four Members of Parliament, other Senior Government Officials and a business delegation. Vice President Ansari and Speaker Kadaga reiterated the need for closer cooperation of the Parliaments of the two countries specially in the domain of capacity building and Parliamentary exchanges. Speaker Kadaga requested for India's assistance for training of Uganda's diplomats. VP Ansari expressed India's readiness to support Uganda in this regard.(ANI)