INTERVIEW 'Cooperation with African nations is no longer option, but necessity'

African countries are no longer just recipients of foreign aid, but essential partners for Korea to realize its vision of becoming a global pivotal state, according to Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won.

"In the current pivotal moment in the international order characterized by multifaceted global crises and the growing influence of the Global South, cooperation with Africa is no longer an option but an imperative," Chung said during a recent written interview with The Korea Times.

"African countries are no longer merely recipients of aid. They are partners with whom we must collaborate for the future," the deputy foreign minister added.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won / Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Expanding on this idea, the Yoon Suk Yeol administration has significantly increased exchanges with African countries to a level never seen before.

"Since taking office, President Yoon has held bilateral meetings with the leaders of five African countries — Central African Republic, Nigeria, Gabon, Kenya and Angola — during their visits to Korea, as well as meetings with the leaders of 11 African nations at various multilateral forums such as the G7, G20 meetings and at the U.N. General Assembly," Chung said.

The upcoming inaugural Korea-Africa summit will mark the pinnacle of this momentum, solidifying Korea's partnership with African countries.

Scheduled for June 4 and 5 in Seoul, the summit will bring together delegates from more than 45 African nations, making it the largest multilateral gathering hosted by Korea under the Yoon government since its inauguration in May 2022.

"This summit will serve as a significant turning point in establishing a long-term, sustainable partnership for mutual prosperity and coexistence between Korea and Africa. In particular, we aim to leverage the strengths of both sides to create synergies that foster joint growth and build a sustainable future together," Chung said.

He noted that the summit will elevate the dialogue between the two sides from the current ministerial level to the highest level.

Under the overarching theme "The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity," the summit will offer leaders a platform to deliberate on concrete and achievable collaboration strategies across economic domains, sustainable approaches to global challenges, and initiatives for peace and security.

The two-day event will also feature over a dozen sideline events covering various topics ranging from tourism, green climate, business, health, ICT, and infrastructure, agriculture, marine and fisheries and development cooperation.

"Through the summit, the Korean government aims to expand tailored cooperation by pursuing the most suitable collaboration for each African country, taking into account Korea's strengths and the diverse demands of each African nations," Chung said.

People watch a performance by Burundi performers during an African culture festival held at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, May 12, in the run-up to the Korea-Africa Summit which will take place on June 4 and 5. Yonhap

When asked about the significance of the African continent for Korea, Chung described it as the youngest in terms of population and possessing the greatest developmental potential. While many developed nations struggle with low birthrates and declining populations, Africa's ongoing baby boom fuels the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world.

“With a population of 1.4 billion, 60 percent of whom are aged 25 and under, Africa is projected to achieve an economic growth rate of 3.8 percent this year. Additionally, it holds 30 percent of the world’s key mineral resources,” the senior diplomat said.

He also emphasized the growing importance of the collective voice of African nations on the international stage, noting that they comprise more than one-fourth of U.N. members and highlighting that the African Union (AU) recently attained permanent membership in the G20.

Given its abundant resources and strategic importance, the African region is increasingly becoming a stage where major countries vie for influence.

While some may view Korea as arriving on the scene later than other nations, what distinguishes the Asian nation is its ability to offer substantial inspiration for the development of the African continent, according to Chung.

"Unlike the perception that major superpowers strategically approach Africa for their national interests, Korea is widely seen as sincerely wanting to share its development experience with African nations, without ulterior motives," he said.

From the perspective of African nations, Korea's experience of rapid growth, achieved despite colonial and wartime challenges, is a valuable asset to African countries that have faced similar situations, he explained.

Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won, right, and Ambassador of Mauritania to Korea Sidya El Hadj attend a senior officials' meeting on the Korea-Africa Summit at a hotel in Seoul, April 29. Yonhap

Chung emphasized that a major focus of the upcoming summit will be to expand the current collaboration in the economic and energy sectors.

One significant example highlighting cooperation between the two sides is the Kazungula Bridge, completed by Daewoo Engineering and Construction in May 2021, which spans the border regions of Botswana and Zambia. Additionally, Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) owns a 10 percent stake in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) extraction project in Area 4 located in the waters off Mozambique.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained close communication and coordination with the African diplomatic missions in Seoul as we engaged in preparation for the summit. The African side has expressed high expectations for expanding economic cooperation with Korea, hoping that the summit will also focus on economic aspects," Chung said.

In this context, a business summit will be held on the first day of the two-day summit, where government officials and business leaders from both sides are expected to explore opportunities for cooperation. On that day, a business consultative session will enable private companies from both regions to identify potential partners and establish cooperative relationships.