Tinaye Agere
Hebert Zharare in SEOUL, South Korea
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA joined other African Heads of State and Government for the official opening of the inaugural South Korea- Africa Summit on Tuesday morning, with host President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasising the need for his country to enhance cooperation with the continent.
The summit is being held at Kintex Hall in Goyang outside Seoul.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Korea Mr Stewart Nyakotyo and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava.
The President had the opportunity to chat with his colleagues, as well as with the African Development Bank (AfDB) president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who is also championing Zimbabwe’s debt resolution and arrears clearance strategy.
In his address, President Yoon said South Korea aims to expand trade and investment with Africa through a series of Economic Partnership Agreements and Trade and Investment Frameworks.
He vowed to support Africa’s efforts for regional economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area launched in 2019.
Mauritanian President and African Union chairperson Mohamed Ould Ghazouani also addressed the summit before the leaders went into a closed-door session.
According to South Korean media, 48 African countries are attending the meeting.
Some of these countries are Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Madagascar, Botswana, Siera Leone, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Togo, Eritrea, Equatoria Guinea, Mozambique and Tanzania, among others.
Yesterday evening, President Mnangagwa joined at least 10 African Heads of State who attended a welcome dinner hosted by President Yoon.
South Korea is a key player in the food industry.
It is also a major actor in the beneficiation of minerals and technological advancement.
South Korea is home to some of the world’s acclaimed global giants such as Samsung, LG, carmakers like Hyundai, KIA, Daewoo and SsangYong.
Online Reporter