President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday voiced hope for the Korea-Africa summit to be held on a regular basis, saying his government is paying special attention to Africa’s potential for growth and development.
Lee made the remarks at Cheong Wa Dae during a meeting with foreign ministers from 19 African countries and representatives of the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The meeting came a day after Seoul hosted the inaugural Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, attended by ministers, vice ministers and representatives from 50 African countries and four regional organizations.
“Frankly, Africa is a continent with enormous potential in terms of growth and development, but from the standpoint of the government of the Republic of Korea, there is some regret that we have not paid sufficient attention to this until now,” Lee said, referring to South Korea by its official name.
“I would like to make clear that since I took office, this government of the Republic of Korea has been paying special attention to African countries.”
Lee expressed his hope to meet African leaders more frequently in Korea in an official capacity.
“Korea and a number of African countries will hold a summit in 2029, and what I hope is that the Korea-Africa summit can be regularized afterward,” Lee said.
