SEOUL — Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Malawi on Monday as part of a five-nation tour aimed at rallying support for South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo and strengthening bilateral relations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han arrived in the African capital city of Lilongwe, marking the first high-level official visit between the two countries since establishing diplomatic ties in 1965.
During his visit, Han met with Malawian President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera to discuss bilateral issues in agriculture, education, and health care. In addition to these discussions, Han also sought Malawi's support for South Korea's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in its southeastern city of Busan. The host for the event will be determined by a vote among member states of the Bureau International des Expositions in late November.
Following his time in Malawi, Han departed for Togo, where he is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbe. The tour will also include stops in Cameroon, Norway, and Finland over a seven-day period. In Norway, Han is set to meet with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, as the two countries approach the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year. In Finland, Han will meet with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, aiming to further develop bilateral ties and discuss issues such as economic security, including climate change and supply chains, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.