Rejoicing: in DR Congo as diplomatic ties with Uganda are strengthened
Diplomacy wins in oil game
Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have stepped up efforts to improve diplomatic ties as the two countries weigh up exploiting hydrocarbon resources in the cross-border Albertine rift play, according to reports.
DR Congo's diplomatic attache to Uganda, Yav Juvenile, told Dow Jones Newswires the country is in the process of upgrading its mission to ambassadorial level and is working closely with the Ugandan Ministry of Energy & Minerals on ways to improve oil exploration and exploitation on its side of the Albertine rift.
"We are working together, Uganda is already ahead of us and we believe that improved co-operation will benefit both countries," he said.
Last month, the presidents of Uganda and DR Congo agreed to implement the 2007 Ngorduto agreement, which provides for improved political and economic co-operation between the two countries.
The agreement was reached following a spate of military clashes between the countries over border disputes.
Uganda has already appointed an ambassador to DR Congo.
The two are currently constituting a joint oil exploration committee to oversee exploration activities on both sides of the Albertine rift.
DR Congo is close to granting an oil exploration production licence to UK-based Tullow Oil, which already operates in Uganda.
