Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kahamba Kutesa told reporters on Friday in Kampala, Uganda that China-Uganda relationship is fair and mutually beneficial, and China's current activities in Uganda were not "new colonialism" as some critics have claimed.

Kutesa said that critics who have characterized China's actions in Uganda or in Africa as ‘new colonialism' only say this "because they have run out of options," adding "They can no longer give Africa what China can."

"We don't deal with China as colonial power. We deal with China for mutual benefit. We have resources that need to be exploited. We think we should exploit [them] with [the Chinese]. We believe [the Chinese] have technology that is appropriate for our use. We don't feel in any way this is colonialism at all," Kutesa said.

Furthermore, Kutesa described as Uganda's relationship with China is "fair exchange of values". "We also want to make sure that Chinese themselves, when they come here, unlike colonists, add value to our tradition, add value to our products," he said.

"It is not for anybody to determine our friends. We determine our friends," Kutesa added.

Kutesa said Uganda also hopes to learn from China's economic development, which produced unprecedented growth in a relatively short time. Kutesa said that his country is seeking greater cooperation with China in the economic, social, cultural and education fields. He also welcomed Chinese businessmen and tourists to come to his country.

Kutesa described the 50-year relationship between China and Uganda as "excellent". "We have been partners with China in the process of decolonization of Africa. We value the support [from China] since the 1950s and 1960s. We have stood with China shoulder to shoulder in freed Africa. We are extremely grateful for the support and friendship we have had," he said.

China and Uganda will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next month. In order to commemorate the special occasion, China held a cultural exchange program called "Experience China" in Kampala, Uganda from September 26 to 29. During the four-day event, China presented a montage of variety shows, TV documentaries and books to local residents, allowing them to have a glimpse of Chinese culture.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)