The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, received a delegation from the Republic of Azerbaijan, led by Counselor Rustam Hasanli, during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya, Uganda.
This visit follows an earlier engagement in October 2024, when the Managing Director of Uganda's National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) visited Algeria, signaling Uganda's commitment to strengthening international defence partnerships.
Hon. Oleru expressed her gratitude to the Azerbaijani delegation for choosing to pursue international cooperation with Uganda. She highlighted the importance of such collaborations in advancing mutual interests in defence and technology.
During a recent visit by Ugandan officials to Azerbaijan, the two parties agreed to explore areas of collaboration within the defence industries. A key focus is on joint ventures through NEC, particularly Proheli International Services Ltd, which specializes in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of helicopters.
Counselor Rustam Hasanli reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to supporting Uganda's Ministry of Defence in both bilateral and multilateral relations. He emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable growth in defence, particularly in the area of technology.
Counselor Hasanli also pledged to strengthen relations in key areas such as:
- Manpower development
- Logistical support
- Technological advancements
The Ugandan delegation included:
- Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces
- Lt Gen James Mugira, Managing Director of NEC
- Mrs. Buturo Edith, Under Secretary of Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA)
This meeting marks a significant step in deepening defence cooperation between Uganda and Azerbaijan, with a focus on leveraging technology and joint ventures to enhance capabilities and foster sustainable growth.
