Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul, second from left, speaks during a meeting of the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit Preparatory Office at the government complex in Seoul in this Feb. 2 file photo. Newsis

A stronger partnership between South Korea and African countries is "no longer a choice but a necessity," South Korean envoys stationed in Africa said Thursday, ahead of the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit.

"In terms of diplomacy, (Africa) is a good place to realize our global pivotal state diplomacy, with 55 members in the African Union," one of the ambassadors told reporters on condition of anonymity.

The envoy stressed that the conditions for South Korea's entry into the African market are "in place," given the widespread awareness of Korean technology and the strong desire toward the success story of Korea.

"Overall, (cooperation with) Africa is no longer a choice but a necessity," he said.

Another envoy, also speaking on condition of anonymity, stressed the need to differentiate South Korea's approach to cooperation with Africa from those of China and Japan.

He highlighted Seoul's unique position as a country that has the experience of being colonized and a country that has advanced from an underdeveloped country to a developed country.

"We're the only country to have experienced all levels of development," he said.

South Korea is set to host the inaugural summit with African nations in Seoul on June 4 and 5. (Yonhap)