31 years ago, President Kim Il Sung met Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, and his party who had visited the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) (from May 28 to June 1) and accorded them warm hospitality.

President Kim Il Sung accepted with a good grace the President’s request to share with him the experiences gained in the DPRK and taught him in detail the issues arising in building a new society of the Ugandan people, saying that they couldn’t surmount the economic pressure of the imperialists and further defend political sovereignty if they fail to build a self-reliant national economy by relying firmly on the principle of independence in politics, self-sufficiency in the economy and self-reliance in national defense.

President Kim Il Sung hosted a grand reception in honor of the Ugandan President and his party. He also saw to it that art and acrobatic performances were arranged for them and presented them with benevolent gifts.

The Ugandan President opened his heart saying that the teachings of President Kim Il Sung were indeed wise ones indicating clearly the road ahead when they were at a loss what to do.

He went on to say that African people including himself highly respected President Kim Il Sung as their mentor referring to the fact that there had been many men in the world who professed to be leaders, but no one had ever provided Africa with such unstinted assistance as President Kim Il Sung .

During their stay in the DPRK, the Ugandan President and his party visited Taean Heavy Machine Complex, Sunchon Vinalon Complex (at that time), Panmunjom and other places, where they could feel better the justness of the line on building an independent national economy and the policy of independent and peaceful reunification put forward by President Kim Il Sung .

The Ugandan President said that he clearly understood once again that the line put forward by President Kim Il Sung is the most correct one, and expressed his determination to do everything for the development of the friendly relations with the DRPK in the future, too.

The DPRK and Uganda have strengthened and developed as ever the friendly and cooperative relations in various fields including politics and the economy, adhered to the principle of respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs and sought a close support and collaboration with each other.

It is the consistent stand of the DPRK government to invariably develop the historic and traditional relations of friendship and cooperation with Uganda.

In future, too, we will extend support and encouragement to the Ugandan people in their struggle to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and develop the economy under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and continue to strive to further strengthen and develop the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.

Won Ju Hyok

Member of Korea-Africa Association