August 2 this year marks the 49th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Uganda.
The two countries, though geographically far apart, have an excellent tradition of friendly and cooperative relations.
Uganda waged a struggle to put an end to the prolonged domination and subordination by the colonialists, and finally attained independence in October 1962. Uganda established diplomatic relations with the DPRK on August 2, 1972.
We wholeheartedly supported and encouraged the efforts of the Ugandan people for eradicating the aftermath of colonial rule and building a new society.
President Kim Il Sung personally met with H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, who had visited our country in April 1987, in May 1990 and in April 1992 respectively and gave him valuable instructions concerning the issues arising in the building of a new society.
President Museveni was totally captivated by the outstanding feature and noble personality of President Kim Il Sung who brightly illuminated the road ahead to be taken by Uganda for building a new society and also rendered unreserved support, both material and moral. President Museveni said that he highly respects President Kim Il Sung as his mentor.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have continuously strengthened and developed the friendly and cooperative relations in various fields including politics, economy and culture, and maintained close support and collaboration in the international arena, firmly holding to the principle of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs.
It is an invariable stand of the DRPK government to continue to develop the historic and traditional relations of friendship and cooperation with Uganda in conformity with the demands of new century and the mutual benefits of the peoples of two countries.
We extend our support and solidarity to the efforts of the Ugandan people for safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and developing the national economy, and we will strive to further deepen the bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation as well as the mutual collaboration in the international arena.
Kang Il Gyong, Member of Korea-Africa Association
