North Korea closes embassy in Uganda as it seeks to 'increase efficiency'

North Korea has closed its embassy in Uganda as it aims to reduce the number of embassies in the region to “increase efficiency” and streamline Africa operations.

The decision to close the embassy was announced on Monday by the outgoing Ambassador of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) to Uganda, Jong Tong Hak who paid a courtesy call on President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe.

According to UBC, Ambassador Jong informed Museveni that North Korea has taken a strategic measure to reduce the number of embassies in Africa, Uganda inclusive in order to increase efficiency but assured bilateral relations between Uganda and North Korea will not be affected.

“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.

UBC further reported that North Korea will continue diplomatic relations with Uganda through Malabo- Equatorial Guinea.

"I extend my congratulations to you and to the government and people of your country on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of independence of Uganda," read the statement from President Kim Jong Un.