North Korea has closed its embassy in Uganda as part of a regional effort to "increase efficiency" and simplify Africa operations.
North Korea and Uganda have been allies since 1972 they established diplomatic relations.
The outgoing Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) to Uganda, Jong Tong Hak, announced the decision to close the embassy on Monday during a courtesy call on President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe.
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According to UBC, Ambassador Jong informed Museveni that North Korea has taken a strategic step to reduce the number of embassies in Africa, including Uganda, to promote efficiency. However, bilateral relations between Uganda and North Korea will be unaffected.
“Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed. I convey this commitment from my government,” Ambassador Jong said, as reported by UBC.
"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. I was the Deputy Ambassador for four years from 2009 to 2013 and became the full Ambassador from 2017 to date."
According to UBC, North Korea will maintain diplomatic relations with Uganda via Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
While relations between the two countries have cooled in recent years, North Korean President Kim Jong Un congratulated President Museveni on the country's 61st anniversary of independence.
"I extend my congratulations to you and the government and people of your country on the occasion of Uganda's 61st anniversary of independence," President Kim Jong Un said in a statement.
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