SEOUL, May 30 (AJP) - South Korea will host its first standalone Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting next week, bringing together representatives from 54 African countries and four regional organizations as Seoul seeks to deepen economic ties, diversify supply chains and strengthen cooperation on global challenges.
The three-day gathering, scheduled for May 31 to June 2 in Seoul, comes as governments worldwide race to secure critical mineral supplies and build more resilient supply chains amid growing geopolitical and trade uncertainties.
The meeting will be accompanied by a Korea-Africa Business Forum involving government agencies and private-sector participants.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the conference will focus on expanding practical cooperation for shared prosperity and coordinating responses to challenges ranging from supply chain disruptions and climate change to development and security issues.
The main ministerial session on June 1 will be co-chaired by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, representing the African Union's vice chair country for 2026.
Ministers will hold two plenary sessions.
The first session, titled "Strengthening Economic Cooperation: Promoting Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth," will review cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, science and technology, education, food security and supply chains, while exploring ways to expand economic engagement between South Korea and African economies.
The second session, "Joint Responses to Global Challenges: Korea-Africa Solidarity," will discuss practical cooperation in development assistance, climate action, public health, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Cho is expected to hold a series of bilateral talks with participating foreign ministers to discuss issues including Korean business expansion in Africa, supply chain cooperation and the protection of overseas nationals.
The ministry will also host the Korea-Africa Business Forum on June 2 jointly with the Korea-Africa Foundation, KOTRA, the Korea International Trade Association and Yonhap News Agency. The forum will provide a venue for businesses and institutions to explore investment opportunities and discuss practical cooperation measures related to global supply chain challenges.
The meeting marks South Korea's first foreign ministers' conference dedicated exclusively to Africa and follows Seoul's broader diplomatic push to diversify its partnerships beyond traditional allies while expanding its role as what the government describes as a "globally responsible state."
Separately, Hyundai Motor Group will provide transportation support for visiting delegations under an agreement with the Foreign Ministry.
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