North Korea to close Kampala embassy

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is set to close its embassy in Uganda, ambassador Jong Tong Hak has revealed. In a courtesy call to President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe, Hak informed him that North Korea has taken a strategic measure to reduce the number of embassies in Africa, Uganda inclusive in order to increase the efficiency of the country’s external institutions.

He assured Museveni that the bilateral relations between Uganda and North Korea will continue despite the changes. “Our connections will be continued through Malabo- Equatorial Guinea. Our ambassador will soon present his credentials to you. 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. I have lived in Kampala for many years. I love Uganda and its people,” Hak said.

He also applauded Museveni for consistently supporting the Korean government in enforcing its peaceful efforts to realize a harmonious unification of the Korean Peninsula. “Although the Korean Peninsula situation is still intense, our government is trying to stabilize the situation. That is why it continues to build up its strength to protect its territory and people. 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, such a speech made us happy, and we are grateful,” Hak said.

For his part, Museveni lauded Hak for the job well done during his service in Uganda. Hak has been in Uganda since 2009 first as the deputy ambassador and later as full Ambassador. North Korea follows Norway in announcing that it will be closing its Kampala consulate.

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