President Lee Jae Myung (center in front row) on June 2 poses for a group photo at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul with 20 ministerial-level officials from African countries and international organizations, including those who attended the inaugural Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Uyen Nguyen

President Lee Jae Myung has hosted talks with visiting African foreign ministers to stress Korea's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Africa.

Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a written briefing said President Lee on June 2 received at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul 20 ministerial-level officials from Africa and international organizations, including those who attended the inaugural Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Attending the gathering were foreign ministers from 18 countries including Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria and figures from the African Union and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

"The government of the Republic of Korea pays special attention to various African countries," President Lee said. "I hope that the inaugural Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting is an opportunity to expand cooperation in various fields like high-level exchanges and the elections of global organizations."

He also urged cooperation to build a future of shared development based on the shared historical experiences of Korea and Africa.

"I look forward to the regular holding of the Korea-Africa Summit from 2029," he said, adding his intent to visit African countries whenever he can to advance cooperative ties.

Members of the African contingent thanked Korea for its support for development cooperation in sectors like agriculture, water management, education and technology, e-government and digital transformation.

They also noted that Korea's development experience of overcoming war and poverty provided valuable lessons and inspiration for Africa, adding their hope for more Korean corporate investment and expansion on the continent and stronger cooperation in key sectors including education and health.

uyen81@korea.kr