About 2024 Korea-Africa Summit

Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit (4.29.)

2024-05-09 Views : 184

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) co-chaired by Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won and Ambassador Sidya EL HADJ of Mauritania on Monday, April 29. The purpose of the meeting was to assess the progress of preparations for the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit scheduled to take place on June 4-5.           ※ This year, Mauritania holds the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) and will co-host the summit session of the Korea-Africa Summit. ※ The meeting was attended by representatives from 13 African countries, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Benin, Permanent Secretary II of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Gambia, and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau. Additionally, those from the African Group of Ambassadors (AGA) in Korea (both resident and non-resident) from 31 countries were present, representing a total of 44 African nations.   In his remarks, Deputy Minister Chung expressed appreciation for the close cooperation and support from the African side in preparation for the upcoming Summit, just 36 days away. He underscored the Korean government's outreach and promotional efforts to encourage African leaders' participation and urged both sides to collaborate closely to ensure the Summit's success, which holds significant importance for the future of Korea-Africa diplomacy.   Ambassador Sidya EL HADJ of Mauritania commended the Korean side's effective communication with African countries during Summit preparations. He conveyed Mauritania’s commitment to playing an active role in ensuring a successful outcome as the co-host of the summit session.   During the meeting, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation under the Summit’s slogan, “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity.”    Both sides resonated with the need to promote economic cooperation through increased trade and investment, as well as expand the related institutional framework. They also agreed that sharing of Korea's experience and technology will facilitate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), thereby contributing to Africa's economic development.   Furthermore, discussions addressed enhancing bilateral collaboration to address complex global challenges such as health, energy, climate change, and supply chain disruptions, along with bolstering cooperation in peace and security, in line with both sides’ increasing global roles and responsibilities.   The Korean side provided detailed briefings on the latest preparations for the Summit, and engaged in discussions with the African side regarding protocol and administrative matters.   Following discussions at the SOM, both sides committed to thorough preparations for the Korea-Africa Summit. They also agreed to hold a meeting of Foreign Ministers from Korea and Africa on Sunday, June 2 to finalize Summit preparations.   Since establishing the MOFA-AGA Joint Consultative Committee in May 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained ongoing formal and informal consultation meetings and will continue to communicate with the African side to incorporate Africa’s expectations and needs, ensuring that the Summit is mutually beneficial.

2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office and Hyundai Motor Group Sign MOU for Vehicle Support (March 22, 2024)

2024-03-22 Views : 379

The 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office (hereinafter referred to as “Preparatory Office”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) regarding vehicle support at the conference room of the Preparatory Office on Friday, March 22, 2024. Representing their respective parties, Government Representative for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, Jung Kihong and Executive Vice President Kim Il-bum of the HMG formally signed the MOU.       The Preparatory Office and the HMG both acknowledged the significance of the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit—scheduled to take place at KINTEX in Ilsan and across Seoul from Tuesday, June 4 to Wednesday, June 5, 2024—as an opportunity to substantially enhance collaboration between Korea and Africa. Through the MOU, both parties committed collaborative efforts aiming to ensure the success of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit. As part of the commitment, the HMG will supply approximately 120 official protocol vehicles to facilitate the transportation needs of African leaders and their spouses during the Summit.   During the signing ceremony, Government Representative for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Jung Kihong emphasized Africa's evolving position in the global diplomatic arena and expressed his belief that the provision of vehicles by the HMG, Korea’s leading automaker, would contribute to the success of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit. He also expressed his hope for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit to provide diverse opportunities for Korean companies in their business with Africa, a continent brimming with potentials.   In response, Executive Vice President Kim appreciated this opportunity for HMG to contribute official vehicles for the first Korea-Africa Summit to be held in Korea. He emphasized that providing vehicles for the Summit, which will be attended by a number of African leaders, presents a remarkable opportunity to showcase the competitiveness of the Genesis brand.  

Consultative Meeting with African Group of Ambassadors in Preparation for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit (February 28, 2024)

2024-02-28 Views : 231

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a meeting with the African Group of Ambassadors (AGA) in Korea, including both resident and non-resident ambassadors, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. The purpose of the gathering was to discuss the preparations status and future plans for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit.           ※ Officials from 47 African embassies in Korea, including 15 resident ambassadors (Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Zambia) and 11 non-resident ambassadors (Benin, Botswana, Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Seychelles, Uganda, and Zimbabwe) attended the meeting.   Before the commencement of the consultative meeting, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun held a pre-meeting with the AGA. Vice Minister Kim emphasized the significance of having both resident and non-resident ambassadors, including those from China, Japan, and Malaysia to participate in the meeting for the success of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit. He highlighted the Korean government's commitment to expanding relations with Africa, based on its hopes to establish a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and long-lasting partnership. Vice Minister Kim also urged AGA’s active involvement and contributions and underscored the fact that African countries’ interest and participation are pivotal in driving the Summit’s success.   Ambassador of Gabon to Korea Carlos Victor Boungou, Dean of the AGA, commended the Korean government's efforts in closely communicating with Africa by continuously holding consultation meetings since the establishment of the MOFA-AGA Joint Consultative Committee in May 2023. In addition, Ambassador Boungou expressed his appreciation for the strengthened exchanges since President Yun Suk Yeol took office and Korea's endorsement of the African Union (AU)'s permanent membership of the G20. He also reiterated the AGA’s commitment to providing concerted support for the success of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit.   Following the pre-meeting, the consultative meeting commenced under the chairmanship of Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won. Deputy Minister Chung shared the result of his visit to Ethiopia on February 19-21, where he discussed the Summit with various high-level officials, including the Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia. Additionally, Jung Kihong, the newly appointed Government Representative for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, provided updates on the status of preparations, particularly in terms of public relations and protocol.   Afterwards, the participants engaged in intensive discussions concerning the protocols and administrative affairs of the Summit, as well as discussions on side events and the possible outcomes of the Summit. The AGA expressed appreciation for the Korean government’s communication endeavors and stressed the importance of making the Summit a win-win and an outcome-driven occasion through meticulous consultations.   Furthermore, both parties agreed to hold a Senior Official Meeting (SOM) in the forthcoming period. Delegations from each African country will attend the SOM and address critical issues such as the documentation of the Summit's outcome.    Since establishing the MOFA-AGA Joint Consultative Committee in May 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained ongoing formal and informal consultation meetings. It will continue to bolster communication and collaboration with the African side, including AGA in Korea, to incorporate Africa’s expectations and needs for the Summit.  

Second Meeting of 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Commission (February 2, 2024)

2024-02-02 Views : 126

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul hosted the second meeting of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Commission on Friday, February 2, 2024, in the presence of participants from 25 government agencies, relevant organizations, and local governments.         ※ The 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Commission, with Minister of Foreign Affairs as its Chairperson, consists of vice minister-level or other high-ranking officials from government agencies as well as vice mayors of local governments.   - Ministry of Economy and Finance; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Science and ICT; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of National Defense; Ministry of the Interior and Safety; Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; Ministry of Health and Welfare; Ministry of Environment; Ministry of Employment and Labor; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport; Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries; Ministry of SMEs and Startups; Presidential Security Service; Office for Government Policy Coordination; Ministry of Food and Drug Safety; Korea Customs Service; Public Procurement Service; Defense Acquisition Program Administration; Korea Forest Service; Korea Disease Control and Preventive Agency; Statistics Korea; Seoul Metropolitan Government; Goyang City, etc.   In his opening remarks, Foreign Minister Cho took note of the necessity for cooperation with Africa in light of the growing influence of the Global South, and stressed that cooperation with Africa is not a choice but a necessity in realizing Korea's vision to become a Global Pivotal State dedicated to fostering freedom, peace, and prosperity worldwide.    Foreign Minister Cho detailed that the Korean government wishes for the Korea-Africa Summit to lay the foundation for a genuine partnership between the two regions, fostering long-term and mutually beneficial cooperative ties.   In this context, Foreign Minister Cho urged all agencies to closely collaborate in preparing for the Summit, highlighting that this is the Korean government's first-ever summit with Africa. He called upon the agencies to solidify projects regarding Africa across diverse domains of cooperation and emphasized the thorough planning of side events.   Following the first Preparatory Commission meeting in October, the second meeting served to invigorate full-scale preparations by establishing a close coordination mechanism among all government agencies, local governments, and pertinent organizations for the success of the Summit.  

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Holds Africa Expert Roundtable (December 22, 2023)

2023-12-22 Views : 144

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a luncheon meeting with a group of African experts on Friday, December 22, 2023. The purpose of the meeting was to identify potential projects regarding Africa and find ways for promoting them at home and abroad ahead of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit.     The meeting was attended by five African experts based in Korea, who offered in-depth analyses of Africa's political landscape and economic outlook. They also shared insightful perspectives to guide the Korean government’s development, economic, and private sector cooperation with Africa.   ※ A total of 50 participants took part in the meeting, including Kim Eun-jeong, Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs; Oh Jin-hee, Deputy Executive Director of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office (hereinafter referred to as “Preparatory Office”); Chung Kwang-yong, Deputy Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs; Cho Wonbin, Professor at Sungkyunkwan University; Kim Taekyoon, Professor at Seoul National University; Lee Jinsang, Professor at Korea Aerospace University; Seo Sang-Hyun, Researcher at POSCO Research Institute; and Heo Sung-yong, Leader of Africa Insight.   The participants emphasized that the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, a first-ever event to be hosted in Korea, ought to serve as an opportunity to significantly broaden substantial cooperation between Korea and Africa, setting a precedent for a model of mutually beneficial collaboration between the two regions.   Professor Cho shared his analysis of African political systems and democratic progression and proposed ways to promote the spread of democracy. Professor Kim underscored the significance of reforming Africa's tax structures and reinforcing educational collaboration and stated that Korea should serve as a bridge between developed and developing countries.   Professor Lee stressed that science and engineering should be the focal point in driving economic growth and industrial advancement in Africa. Dr. Seo highlighted the importance of securing key mineral supply chains and exploring collaborative opportunities in clean energy development with Africa. Mr. Heo recommended the development of participatory programs specifically designed for the general public in Korea to increase public awareness of Africa.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to communicate with experts, attentively listen to their insights to advance Korea-Africa relations across diverse sectors for the success of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit.  

Plaque Unveiling Ceremony for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office and Luncheon Hosted by Foreign Minister (November 13, 2023)

2023-11-13 Views : 119

Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin hosted the plaque unveiling ceremony for the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office (hereinafter referred to as “Preparatory Office”) and a luncheon at Seohee Hall, located on the 18th floor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, on Monday, November 13, 2023. Participants included both resident and non-resident officials of the African diplomatic corps, members of the National Assembly, co-chair of the National Assembly’s Forum for Africa’s New Era Sul Hoon (Democratic Party of Korea), and other stakeholders from Korea and abroad.             At the dinner for African Ambassadors held under the title of "Korea and Africa, Together with Africa" on November 23, 2023, President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his initiative to host the Korea-Africa Summit, which marks the largest multilateral meeting of his term. President Yoon emphasized his administration's commitment to fostering unprecedentedly close ties with not only neighboring countries but also countries across the globe, in accordance with the Korean government’s vision of becoming a Global Pivotal State (GPS). In alignment with this vision, Korea will host the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit in 2024, aiming to promote future-oriented and sustainable cooperation with Africa.   In his welcoming remarks, Foreign Minister Park highlighted the Korean government's earnest preparations over the past year following President Yoon's announcement of the Korea-Africa Summit. He stressed that the plaque unveiling ceremony for the Preparatory Office serves as a tangible demonstration of the Korean government's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Africa, not merely in words but also in actions. Moreover, Foreign Minister Park urged the African diplomatic corps to actively contribute creative ideas and collaborative projects to ensure that the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit yields mutually prosperous outcomes, tapping into the respective strengths of Korea and Africa. In response, the African diplomatic corps in Korea expressed appreciation for the Korean government's sincere preparations for the Summit and pledged to continue active communication to ensure its success.   Additionally, Foreign Minister Park outlined the Korean government's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan, calling on 54 African countries to support the city. He underscored that the 2030 World Expo in Busan—a symbol of Korea's economic development—presents an opportunity to find solutions for humanity’s common challenges and share Korea’s economic growth experiences and insights that enabled its transition from a developing to a developed country. He explained that the event would become "global solution platform" that can bolster cooperation between Korea and Africa.   After the plaque unveiling ceremony, Foreign Minister Park hosted a luncheon where the African diplomatic corps in Korea warmly received the dynamic performances by the Ambiguous Dance Company and the Lively Crew, dance groups that blend Korean traditions with modern sensibilities.   After the Cabinet’s approval to host the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit in April and with the enactment of the Presidential Decree to establish the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office in July, the Preparatory Office was officially inaugurated in August with Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won’s lead. Currently, the office is diligently preparing for the Summit.   The plaque unveiling ceremony for the Preparatory Office, coupled with the luncheon, served to heighten awareness and understanding of Africa both domestically and internationally, ahead of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit. Additionally, these events reiterated the sincere dedication of the Korean government to bolster a forward-looking partnership between Korea and Africa.  

Appointment Ceremony for 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Private Advisory Committee (October 18, 2023)

2023-10-18 Views : 23

Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin hosted the appointment ceremony of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Private Advisory Committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.         ㅇ The Private Advisory Committee consists of 21 civilian experts across seven fields: one for general protocol; five for luncheon and dinner arrangements; four for venue planning; two for performance planning; three for public relations; two for interpretation, language, and culture; and four for regional policy.   ※ Foreign Minister Park, Executive Director Chung Byung-won of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office (hereinafter referred to as “Preparatory Office”), and 18 out of 21 members of the Private Advisory Committee attended the ceremony.    In his congratulatory remarks, Foreign Minister Park explained that based on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s strong willingness to dramatically strengthen diplomacy with African countries, the Yoon administration has been engaging in high-level exchanges with African countries more actively than any other previous administrations. Foreign Minister Park further mentioned that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and himself have also been actively conducting high-level exchanges and that the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit will be held as a continuation of these efforts.    ㅇ Foreign Minister Park particularly emphasized that the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit marks Korea's very first summit with Africa and stands as the largest multilateral summit hosted by the Republic of Korea under the Yoon administration.   ※ High-level exchanges with African countries after the launch of the Yoon administration: - President Yoon held summits with the leaders of four African countries (the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Gabon, and Kenya) during their visits to Korea and with the leaders of eleven African countries on the occasions of the G7 Summit in May 2023, the G20 Summit in September 2023, and the United Nations General Assembly session in September 2023. - Prime Minister Han visited Ghana and Mozambique in November 2022 and had bilateral meetings with high-ranking African officials on various occasions including the coronation ceremony of King Charles III in May 2023. - Foreign Minister Park had a meeting with high-ranking officials including foreign ministers of twelve African countries. He also visited Ethiopia, Zambia, and Rwanda in August 2023.   Foreign Minister Park appreciated the growing importance of Africa considering its great growth potential as the youngest and fastest-expanding region on earth. With the abundant reserves of critical minerals including raw materials like nickel and cobalt crucial for the fourth industrial sector, Africa emerges as one of the largest markets with the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Furthermore, he noted that the increased strategic significance of 54 African countries, comprising a quarter of the United Nations (UN) membership and accounting for 30% of the non-permanent members of the UN Security Council, as their roles continue to expand on the global stage.   In addition, Foreign Minister Park emphasized that Africa is an important partner in realizing the Korean government’s vision to become a “Global Pivotal State (GPS)” aiming to contribute to freedom, peace, and prosperity worldwide. Reflecting on his August trip to Africa, he observed a keen interest among African countries to strengthen collaboration, particularly through Korea's sharing of its successful transition from an aid recipient to a donor country. With African countries placing high expectations on the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, the event will be a significant historical milestone for Korea’s relations with Africa.   Foreign Minister Park further commented that the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit will serve as a momentum to articulate the philosophy and vision guiding Korea and Africa on the same pathway as genuine partners, focusing on key areas of mutual interest such as economic relations, development cooperation, climate change response, and peace and security. He called upon the committee members to closely collaborate with the Korean government, utilizing their experience and expertise to ensure meticulous and seamless preparations for this significant Summit.   Following the appointment ceremony, the first general meeting of the Private Advisory Committee was held under the leadership of Executive Director Chung of the Preparatory Office. During this meeting, the Preparatory Office presented the current preparation status of the Summit. The Preparatory Office also affirmed its commitment on continuous consult with members of the Private Advisory Committee to thoroughly prepare for the success of the Summit.    The launch of the Private Advisory Committee is viewed as establishing the foundation for intimate cooperation between the public and private sectors, aiming for the success of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit.  

Launch of 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Commission and Its First Meeting (October 13, 2023)

2023-10-13 Views : 120

1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin announced the launch of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Commission and hosted its first meeting on Friday, October 13, 2023, in the presence of participants from 20 government agencies and other relevant organizations including the Korea-Africa Foundation. ※ The 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Commission, the Chairperson of which is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, consists of vice minister-level or other high-ranking officials from government agencies.       2. Foreign Minister Park, in his opening remarks, explained that President Yoon Suk Yeol has been engaging in high-level exchanges with African countries more actively than any other previous administrations since his inauguration in May 2022, based on his strong willingness to dramatically strengthen diplomacy with those countries. Foreign Minister Park also emphasized that the Prime Minister and himself have been actively conducting high-level exchanges as well. ※ High-level exchanges with African countries after the launch of the Yoon Suk Yeol administration - President Yoon held summits with the leaders of four African countries (the Central African Republic, Nigeria, Gabon and Kenya) during their visits to Korea and with the leaders of eleven African countries on the occasions of the G7 Summit in May 2023, the G20 Summit in September 2023, and the United Nations General Assembly session in September 2023. - Prime Minister Han visited Ghana and Mozambique in November 2022 and had bilateral meetings with high-ranking African officials on various occasions including the coronation ceremony of Charles III in May 2023. - Foreign Minister Park had a meeting with high-ranking officials including foreign ministers of eleven African countries and visited Ethiopia, Zambia and Rwanda in August 2023. 3. Foreign Minister Park appreciated the growing importance of Africa that could be seen from its great growth potential, abundant reserves of critical minerals including nickel and cobalt, potential to contribute to the stabilization of global supply chains, emergence as one of the largest markets with the launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Furthermore, Foreign Minister Park said that the diplomatic leverage of Africa, which is comprised of 54 countries, has been expanding amid the growing presence of the “Global South.” 4. In addition, Foreign Minister Park stressed the necessity to establish a genuine partnership with Africa in order to realize the Korean government’s vision to become a “Global Pivotal State,” and mentioned that the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit will be a milestone for Korea’s diplomacy toward Africa. In particular, Foreign Minister Park said that African countries appreciated Korea’s experience of transforming itself from an official development assistance (ODA) recipient to an ODA donor when he visited African countries last August. He added that the African countries were eager to cooperate more closely with Korea and showed high expectations for the Korea-Africa Summit next year.   5. Foreign Minister Park called for positive and systematic cooperation among relevant government agencies and organizations to identify deliverables that can meet such expectations and practically contribute to Africa’s development based on Korea’s fortes. In response, the participants shared projects and side events that they have been preparing, and agreed to work together to concretize projects and identify additional projects that can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes for Korea and Africa.   6. The first meeting of the Preparatory Commission is seen to have paved the way for a successful 2024 Korea-Africa Summit through the establishment of a close cooperation system among government agencies and other relevant organizations and through an exchange of views on various deliverables.