S. Korean, African FMs set to hold meeting to discuss cooperation amid global challenges

On Tuesday, the Korea-Africa Business Forum will be held, bringing together about 300 business leaders, experts, government officials and representatives from both sides to discuss ways to expand trade and investment, strengthen industrial cooperation and build resilient supply chains.

Sung Kim, president of Hyundai Motor Company and former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, and Wamkele Keabetswe Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA, are scheduled to deliver keynote speeches, according to the ministry.

The business forum is hosted by the ministry and jointly organized by Yonhap News Agency, the Korea-Africa Foundation, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and the Korea International Trade Association.

South Korea first established diplomatic relations with six African countries in 1961 and completed diplomatic ties with all 54 African U.N. member states after establishing relations with South Sudan in 2011.

Seoul has been strengthening cooperation with Africa, whose strategic importance continues to grow amid the Middle East crisis and intensifying global competition, driven by the continent's rapid economic development and abundant natural resources, including oil and critical minerals.

graceoh@yna.co.kr
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