Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who has traveled to Kampala, Uganda, to attend the Nineteenth Mid-Term Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement, met this Thursday morning on the margins of the Conference with his Ugandan counterpart Abubaker Jeje Odongo.   Araghchi referred to the organization and hosting of the Non-Aligned Movement Ministerial Conference in Kampala, expressing appreciation for Uganda’s efforts as Chair of the NAM Coordinating Bureau in advancing the Movement’s agenda.   He underscored the crucial role of the Non-Aligned Movement in preserving international peace and security through upholding the rule of law at the international level, respecting the principle of peoples’ right to self-determination, and preventing the erosion of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Araghchi also described the role of African countries in this regard as pivotal.   The Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs further reiterated the determination of the Islamic Republic of Iran to strengthen relations with African countries, including Uganda, and expressed Tehran’s readiness to facilitate cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.   For his part, the Ugandan Foreign Minister described the presence of his Iranian counterpart at the Conference as highly valuable. He expressed hope that the Non-Aligned Movement would play a more effective role in international developments and in reinforcing respect for the rule of law. He also referred to the longstanding economic and trade exchanges between Iran and Uganda and emphasized the necessity of identifying further opportunities for cooperation between the two countries with a view to expanding bilateral relations and partnerships.   It was agreed during the meeting that, with a view to revitalizing bilateral relations, the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries would convene in Tehran in early 2026.