North Korea has decided to shutter its embassy in Uganda, marking the conclusion of a diplomatic presence spanning half a century in one of its most enduring African allies.
The decision was disclosed on Monday following a meeting between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and North Korean Ambassador Jong Tong Hak.
A statement from the Ugandan presidency, shared with media, said: “Ambassador Jong informed the president that North Korea has taken a strategic measure to reduce the number of embassies in Africa, Uganda inclusive, in order to increase efficiency of the country’s external institutions.”
“Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed,” Mr Jong was quoted as saying.
North Korea established diplomatic ties with Uganda shortly after the African nation gained independence from British colonial rule in 1962. Pyongyang extended support to Idi Amin after his rise to power in 1971, offering training and weaponry to his forces.
North Korea opened the embassy in Kampala a year later.
President Museveni has undertaken numerous trips to North Korea, including meetings with the late leader Kim Jong Il, who was the father of the current leader, Kim Jong Un.
