Seoul: Foreign ministers from South Korea and numerous African countries gathered in Seoul to discuss methods to enhance cooperation for shared growth and address global challenges, such as supply chain disruptions, as announced by Seoul's foreign ministry.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting, themed "Partnership for Joint Responses to Global Challenges," included representatives from 50 African countries and four regional organizations: the African Union, African Development Bank, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This marks the first meeting of African foreign ministers hosted independently by the South Korean government.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasized the importance of cooperation amid shifting global dynamics and challenges in sectors like supply chains, energy, and food security. He highlighted Africa's increasing geopolitical and economic significance, especially in light of Middle East instability and the Strait of Hormuz's uncertainties. Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, representing the African Union, called for transformative economic collaboration beyond traditional models and praised South Korea for its commitment to the meeting despite health concerns in some African nations.
During the plenary meeting co-chaired by Cho and Ablakwa, discussions focused on enhancing economic cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, and supply chains. The participants also explored expanding cooperation in climate change, health, peace and security, development cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. A joint statement is expected at the meeting's conclusion.
Cho will engage in separate bilateral talks with the participating foreign ministers to discuss mutual interests. The following day, the Korea-Africa Business Forum will bring together approximately 300 business leaders, experts, government officials, and representatives to discuss trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and resilient supply chains. Keynote speeches will be delivered by Sung Kim, president of Hyundai Motor Company, and Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA.
This business forum is hosted by the ministry and organized by Yonhap News Agency, the Korea-Africa Foundation, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, and the Korea International Trade Association. Since establishing diplomatic relations with six African countries in 1961 and completing ties with all 54 African U.N. member states in 2011, Seoul has been strengthening cooperation with Africa, recognizing its growing strategic importance amid global competition and its rich natural resources.