SEOUL: South Korea and African countries have agreed to convene a foreign ministers’ meeting in Seoul in June 2026 to advance the growing partnership established during their inaugural summit in 2024, the South Korean Foreign Ministry announced.
The decision was made at the Korea-Africa Senior Officials’ Meeting held in Seoul, co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Chung Eui-hae and Angolan Ambassador Sianga Kivuila Samuel Abilio, who currently chairs the African Union. Representatives from 47 African nations, including 20 high-level government delegations, attended the meeting alongside officials from 15 South Korean ministries and agencies.
The discussions reviewed progress since the first Korea-Africa Summit and explored ways to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as trade, energy, and sustainable development. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to “shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity” and agreed to strengthen dialogue mechanisms to build a long-term partnership.
Deputy Minister Chung emphasized the importance of forging a mutually beneficial relationship with Africa to diversify South Korea’s diplomacy amid global uncertainty. Since the 2024 summit, both sides have launched several key initiatives, including the Korea-Africa Critical Minerals Dialogue, South Korea’s observer status at the Indian Ocean Commission, and the establishment of the Korea-AfCFTA Cooperation Fund.
