By Raymond Baguma
               
South Korea has hailed the government of Uganda for ensuring national security that has stimulated peace and an environment that fosters economic growth.

Park Jong-Dae, the South Korean ambassador to Uganda said that his country supports continued administrative and political reforms in Uganda, including the fight against corruption, which is necessary if Uganda is to achieve its potential for economic take-off.

He was recently speaking at the official reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the South Korea-Uganda diplomatic ties. Present were heads of diplomatic missions, and South Korean community in Uganda.

Ambassador Park said that Uganda has also played a role in regional security, and regional economic cooperation and integration to make this region more safe and prosperous.

He said the Korean community in Uganda is growing steadily, with majority working as missionaries, businesspeople, NGO and volunteer workers and their families with the prevailing security in the country.

Ambassador Park noted that Uganda has also played a role in regional security, and asked Uganda and the international community to support South Korea's efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and improve relations with North Korea.

Foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa said that by 1962, most African countries were at the same level of development with South Korea. However, over the years, the country has grown by leaps and bounds because of a well-educated, skilled and diligent labour force and the importance attached to value addition.

“Uganda is ready to learn from you and follow your path. We have focus on value addition for export, agriculture and agro-processing as important. We intend to spend on training of a skilled workforce,” said Kutesa.

Kutesa hailed South Korea's support to Uganda through training of professionals, construction of a fruit processing factory in Soroti, and construction of a farmers' leadership center in Kampiringisa.