In a recent diplomatic development, Ambassador Jong Tong Hak from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) has officially confirmed the imminent closure of the North Korean embassy in Uganda. This announcement was made during a courtesy visit to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe.
Ambassador Jong Tong Hak explained that North Korea has decided to reduce the number of its embassies in Africa, with Uganda being one of the affected countries. This strategic measure is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the country’s external institutions.
Despite the impending embassy closure, Ambassador Jong Tong Hak assured President Museveni that the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and North Korea will persist. He revealed that the diplomatic ties will be maintained through the North Korean embassy in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. Ambassador Hak expressed his heartfelt commitment to continuing and strengthening the friendly relationship between the two nations, emphasizing that their absence in Kampala physically would not hinder the bond between the countries.
During the meeting, Ambassador Jong Tong Hak commended President Museveni for his consistent support of North Korea’s peaceful efforts towards achieving a harmonious unification of the Korean Peninsula. He acknowledged the ongoing intensity of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and North Korea’s commitment to stabilizing it. The ambassador also recalled President Museveni’s 2017 speech at the UN General Assembly, in which he expressed gratitude to the North Korean government, further cementing the friendly relations between the two countries.
In response, President Museveni expressed his appreciation for Ambassador Jong Tong Hak’s dedicated service in Uganda. Ambassador Hak had been serving in Uganda since 2009, initially as the deputy ambassador and later as the full Ambassador. It’s noteworthy that North Korea’s decision to close its consulate in Kampala follows a similar move by Norway.
