Uganda submits bid to host 2027 OACPS-EU Parliamentary Assembly

Uganda is vying to host the 2027 session of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States-European Union (OACPS-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly. This move signifies Uganda’s commitment to enhancing its parliamentary diplomacy and fostering stronger ties with its European and ACP counterparts.

The official bid was presented by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Brussels, Belgium. He met with Francisco Assis, the co-president of the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, at the Egmont Palace.

During the discussions, Tayebwa extended an invitation to Assis to visit the East African region and formally proposed Uganda as the venue for the 2027 assembly. This bid underscores Uganda’s dedication to actively participating in international parliamentary forums.

The leaders also used the opportunity to discuss the crucial Samoa Agreement. This comprehensive 20-year legal framework governs the relationship between the European Union and the 79 member states of the OACPS. The agreement covers vital areas such as trade, human rights, climate change, migration, and sustainable development.

Tayebwa emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the EU and OACPS nations from a parliamentary standpoint. He stated, “As Co-Presidents, we pledged to continue working together and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the European Union and the nations of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific from a parliamentary perspective.”

Uganda’s bid aims to showcase its leadership in regional and international parliamentary cooperation. Should the bid be successful, it would provide a significant platform for dialogue on issues of mutual concern between the EU and OACPS member states.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the European Union, Mirjam Blaak, was also present during the meeting.

Source: Nile Post