South Korea, a former war-ravaged country that has emerged as a major economic player, can become an "optimum partner" for Africa on its road to development, Seoul's top diplomat said Friday.
Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who will accompany President Park Geun-hye on her three-nation Africa tour later this month, made the comments at an investment forum for government and business officials from the two sides.
"South Korea, like Africa, experienced many difficulties in the past, but it has overcome them and grown, which can make it the optimum partner for Africa in its development process," he said in an address before dozens of African ambassadors to South Korea and South Korean business representatives.
South Korea has sought to strengthen its diplomatic ties with Africa as the resource-rich continent posts growth rates of an average 5 percent and more countries are achieving political stability through democratically elected governments.
Park is set to leave May 25 for Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.
"President Park's trip will be an opportunity to offer our vision for a win-win relationship with Africa and its development as a trustworthy partner," Yun said.
The minister acknowledged the low volume of trade between South Korea and Africa, saying he expects the president's visit to help establish an institutional framework and expand cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure development and science and technology. According to government data, South Korea's outbound shipments to Africa accounted for just 1.4 percent of its total exports in 2015.
"The important thing is our government does not regard Africa simply as a market but an economic cooperation partner over the mid to long term," he said.
Yun also noted Africa's role in implementing U.N. sanctions that were imposed on North Korea after its missile and nuclear tests earlier this year.
The forum, organized by the Federation of Korean Industries, is held each year around Africa Day, which falls on May 25. Africa Day marks the day the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the African Union, was established in 1963. (Yonhap)