Ambassadors expect summit to elevate partnership between Korea, Africa

Egyptian ambassador optimistic about future of Korea-Africa partnership

Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Khaled Abdel Rahman emphasized the long-standing and mutually respectful relationship between Korea and Africa, highlighting the potential for future cooperation in various sectors.

"History is very important; it ties us together and fosters mutual respect and cooperation between Korea and all African countries," Rahman said. "We have no negativity about it in our history. We've witnessed many successful examples in trade, investment and more with every African country that has engaged with Korea."

Rahman expressed optimism about the future, identifying numerous sectors ripe for collaboration, including renewable energy and digital innovation.

"Korea is advanced and has innovation in these fields. There are huge opportunities for both sides to cooperate," he said.

Security, climate change and water scarcity were identified as key challenges, but Rahman saw these as opportunities for driving sustainable development. He called for the transfer of knowledge and technology, noting that African countries have developed local methods suited to their environments that could complement Korean innovation.

"This collaboration can produce models that suit the diverse climates and circumstances across Africa," he said. "We need significant support from educational institutions and research centers to reap the full benefits."

Cultural and educational exchanges were another focal point.

"Engaging the new generation is crucial for continuity and sustainability. We must educate them, overcome stereotypes and promote successful cultural exchanges," he said. "Successful cultural exchange is very much needed between African countries and Korea. This will highlight the value of our diverse heritages," Rahman said, emphasizing that Africa is not just about "jungles and animals" but a cradle of civilization with a rich heritage.

Looking ahead to the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit, Rahman expressed confidence in the commitment of both governments to engage and enhance sustainable development.

"We are ready for engagement. This relationship matters and will enhance our sustainable development," he said, emphasizing the interest from the private sector, noting that public-private partnerships are crucial for finding innovative solutions.

Tunisian ambassador stresses value-based partnership for mutual productivity

Tunisian Ambassador to Korea Kais Darragi underscored the importance of the evolving relationship between Korea and African nations, saying a "pivotal moment for cooperation and partnership" is approaching ahead of the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit.

"This is a watershed exchange that reflects Korea's ambition to play a major role on the global stage," Darragi said. "We all have the responsibility of making this a success. A positive outcome from this summit will have a long-term impact and will be instrumental in serving the interests of both parties."

Darragi emphasized the need for Korea to differentiate its partnership with African nations from those offered by other countries.

Tunisian Ambassador to Korea Kais Darragi / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

He noted that Korea should focus on creating a value-driven partnership, not merely one based on resources.

"It has to be a partnership among equals," he said. "Korea should build its partnership on values, respecting Africa as an emerging economic powerhouse and a major international actor."

Highlighting the importance of African ownership of solutions, Darragi emphasized that the new partnership with Korea should build on local initiatives, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), fostering win-win productivity. He advised Korea to focus on quality rather than quantity.

"Korea has exceptional assets in terms of project quality and should insist on a selective approach, concentrating on impactful synergies and flagship projects that could inspire local momentum in Africa," he said.

The ambassador also underscored the critical role of stakeholders, particularly the private sector, in making the partnership successful.

"The private sector should be considered a full-fledged partner. Involving it through foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships can create additional sources of finance, job opportunities in Africa and facilitate technology transfer."

Trade barriers were another focal point of the discussion. Darragi expressed concern over the numerous tariff and non-tariff barriers that hinder African exports to Korea.

"There should be flexibility and accelerated procedures to make trade more accessible. Korea itself relied on the generalized system of preferences to boost its exports in the past. Extending such preferences to middle-income African countries could significantly enhance trade relations."

Sudanese ambassador highlights strategic opportunities at Korea-Africa Summit

Sudanese Ambassador to Korea Amira Agarib / Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Sudanese Ambassador to Korea Amira Agarib emphasized the strategic importance of the Korea-Africa Summit in fostering mutually beneficial partnerships amid global economic and environmental challenges. She highlighted the summit as a crucial moment for contemplating the future direction of Korea-Africa relations, aiming to build a "mutually beneficial sustainable relationship."

"The summit can play a central role in Korea's diplomacy toward Africa," she said, adding that the event will facilitate economic cooperation, business exchanges and diverse interactions.

The ambassador pointed out the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area, launched in 2021, creating a single market with a population of 1.4 billion and a GDP of $3.4 trillion. She urged Korea to broaden the scope of double taxation avoidance agreements and investment guarantee agreements with African countries, and to increase financial support for Korean companies' projects.

"Africa has economic potentials and abundant natural resources, as well as its transition into the world's largest market," Agarib said.

She highlighted Korea's comparative advantages, noting that its technological capabilities and rapid economic transformation position it to contribute significantly to Africa's growth and prosperity. She identified key sectors for investment, including minerals, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and green energy.

"Africa has 65 percent of the world's arable land," Agarib said. She praised the Korea International Cooperation Agency for its projects on agricultural production and technology, which improve productivity and farmer incomes in Africa.

The ambassador also mentioned the potential for renewable energy investments, particularly in solar and hydraulic electricity.

"Africa has a young population, while the population of many countries, including Korea, is decreasing," she said, highlighting the demographic advantage of the African continent, which is expected to reach 2.5 billion people.