Officials from diplomatic missions of African countries in Korea and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pose after a consultation meeting, Feb. 28, during which they discussed the upcoming inaugural Korea-Africa Summit scheduled to take place in Seoul from June 4 to 5. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

For many Koreans, Africa is a distant land.

But the historical ties between Korea and African nations tell a different story.

Korea's relations with African nations trace back to the 1950–53 Korean War. During that tumultuous time, African countries offered support to the Asian nation — Ethiopia sent its Royal Guards, South Africa dispatched an air force squadron and Liberia provided logistical aid.

Since then, Korea has broadened its relations with African countries, collaborating across various sectors like trade, investment, infrastructure, minerals and energy, defense and digital technologies.

In the 1980s, spurred by the 1988 Seoul Olympics, Korea's diplomatic relations with Africa gained momentum, fostering increased cultural and political exchanges.

In the next decade, Korea significantly strengthened its engagement in the African region, highlighted by the establishment of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in 1991.

The early 2000s saw the launch of the African Union (AU) in 2002, with Korea obtaining observer status in 2005, paving the way for bigger collaboration.

In 2006, Korea announced its commitment to share its developmental experiences with Africa through "Korea's Initiative for Africa's Development." The establishment of the Korea-Africa Foundation in 2018 further solidified pragmatic cooperation between the two sides across various sectors.

In today's era, where the influence of the global south is increasingly significant, strengthening partnerships with African countries is no longer just an option but a necessity.

To boost their cooperation in earnest, the Korean government will host an inaugural summit with the African nations in Seoul on June 4 and 5, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the main slogan, "The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity," the event will gather delegations from African countries, international organizations, key figures from Korean and international business communities, academia and civil society groups.

The leaders will address pending global challenges such as climate change response, food security, supply chain stability and health security.

President Yoon Suk Yeol welcomes delegates from African nations during a meeting at the presidential office in Seoul, March 19. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Democracy Summit held in Seoul from March 18 to 20. Courtesy of presidential office

The summit is expected to serve as a significant catalyst for Korea to participate in Africa's efforts to embed peace and strengthen cooperation on the international stage, contributing to realization of the AU's vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent.

As a country that rose from the ashes of the Korean War to become a country that assists developing nations, Korea's historical experience stands to offer insights to African countries on their own paths to prosperity. For Korea, the African region is a key partner in realizing its foreign policy goal of becoming a "global pivotal state."

With the summit just a few weeks away, the foreign ministry is intensifying its preparations.

First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun traveled to Kenya and Mauritius from April 16 to 17 as a special presidential envoy for the upcoming summit. He paid a courtesy visit to Kenyan President William Ruto, voicing expectations for the president's participation in the upcoming Seoul summit. Additionally, he extended an invitation to Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.

Kim Hyo-eun, ambassador and deputy foreign minister on climate change, visited Algeria from April 15 to 17, where she met with Lounes Magramane, the secretary general of Algeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad. During their discussions, Kim extended an invitation to Algeria for the summit, and Magramane expressed willingness to cooperate with Korea for the event's success.

In Seoul, the foreign ministry held consultations with the diplomatic missions of African countries in late February, gathering officials from 47 African embassies in Korea to share updates on summit preparations. Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won, who presided over the consultation, emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between Korea and African nations. (Advertorial)