Kampala: The Republic of North Korea  has announced that it is closing its  foreign mission from Uganda in less than a week.

Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) to Uganda, H.E Jong Tong Hak confirmed the development during a meeting with President Museveni at State House Entebbe.

According to Ambassador Jong, 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 but was quick to assure President Museveni and Ugandans that despite the changes, the bilateral relations between Uganda and North Korea will continue.

“Our connections will be continued through Malabo- Equatorial Guinea. Our Ambassador will soon present his credentials to you, Your Excellency. 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,” H.E Jong noted.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Jong  hailed President 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,” he said.

“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.”

North Korea’s  exit comes just a few days after Norwegian Foreign Service also announced closure of its Embassy in Kampala, Uganda citing ongoing structural reforms and the closure shall be finalized in July next year.

“Norway is currently undertaking structural reforms of the foreign service. As part of the reform process, changes are being made in the diplomatic presence abroad. Concentrating and consolidating is expected to better serve Norwegian national interests, and to increase the effectiveness of Norway’s international engagement. This means that Norway is scaling up its presence in some locations. The consequence is that painful drawdowns must be made in other places,” the statement said.