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.