North Korea has decided to close its embassy in Uganda, a long-time ally, to reduce the number of embassies in the region and “increase efficiency,” a Ugandan government-owned news network reported on Monday.

According to UBC, the DPRK’s Ambassador Jong Tong Hak informed Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the decision in a meeting on Monday but stressed bilateral relations between the two countries will continue.

“Our good friendship will continue and will be further strengthened and developed. I convey this commitment from my government,” Ambassador Jong said, according to UBC. 

Jong reportedly stated that diplomatic relations between the two