The Democratic Republic of North Korea has committed to maintain bilateral relations with Uganda after announcing its strategic measure to reduce the number of embassies in Africa including Uganda in order to increase the efficiency of the country’s external institutions.
This declaration was made by H.E Jong Tong Hak, the Ambassador of North Korea to Uganda, who paid a courtesy call at State House Entebbe on Monday, October 23, 2023.
Ambassador Hak informed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that despite the changes, the bilateral relations between Uganda and North Korea will continue.
“Our physical absence cannot block our hearts, minds and souls. Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed. I convey this commitment from my government. Your Excellency, I have lived in Kampala for many years. I love Uganda and its people,” the Ambassador said.
During the meeting, President Museveni thanked Ambassador Hak for the ten-year service in Uganda and wished him good luck.
“I met the outgoing Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Mr. Jong Tong Hak, who paid me a courtesy call at State House, Entebbe. I thank him for his ten-year service in Uganda and wish him good luck,” President Museveni tweeted.
The North Korean Ambassador revealed that, their connections with Uganda will continue through Malabo-Equatorial Guinea.
“Our connections will be continued through Malabo-Equatorial Guinea. Our Ambassador will soon present his credentials to you, Your Excellency,” Ambassador Hak noted.
President Museveni was also praised for consistently supporting the Korean government in enforcing its peaceful efforts to realize a harmonious unification of the Korean Peninsula.
“My government still vividly remembers your famous speech at the UN General Assembly in 2017 which you made before the world as you expressed your gratitude to our government, North Korea, such a speech made us happy, and we are grateful,” He said.
This is the second country to close its embassy in Uganda this year, after Norway which declared to close by the end of July 2024. Like North Korea, Norway also promised to continue in cooperation with Uganda despite their closure of the Ugandan Embassy.
