The Gambia has appointed a Korean businessman to head its newly open consulate in Uganda, reports the Ugandan online media The Spy.

Lee Sung Ho, the Gambia’s First Consul in Uganda, on Monday presented his diplomatic accreditation to the Ugandan minister of State for International Affairs, Henry Oryem Okello.

According to the Spy on Tuesday evening, Minister Oryem and Consul Lee officially opened The Gambia’s consulate at a function held at Hotel Duomo in Bugolobi, a Kampala suburb.

Minister Oryem commended Gambian government for creating connections between Eastern and Western Africa, and applauded Gambia for moving a step further in strengthening the ties between the two countries.

“This will strengthen the diplomatic and trade relations between the two brotherly countries. I am happy with the number of Gambians in Uganda and I believe this new chapter will benefit both countries. We will support you in all possible ways,” the minister said.

He assured the Gambians that Uganda is an open economy for everyone who wants to come and invest, and urged them to use the new consulate for their benefit.

“Uganda is an open society to those who come, provided you are coming here peacefully, pay taxes and employ Ugandans. We don’t want you to engage in any mischiefs. I thank your government for accepting to put here a consulate.”

The first honorary consul, Lee Sung Ho, said he would used the consulate to lure Gambian investors in Uganda and also ensure that Ugandans can do the same in Gambia.

Consul Lee said “Uganda and Gambia are great partners working for mutual interests. We thank both presidents for the continued relations between the two countries.”