Institutional approach is pivotal

Korean institutions dealing with public assistance, such as KOICA as well as KOAFEC, KOAFIC and Korea Africa Center, need to be a driving force which leads to the achievement of that public and private partnership.

Indeed, an outstanding vision should combine the growth demographics, abundant natural resources, renewable energy potential and high skill qualified human competences Africa is enjoying, along with the Korean economic growth based on high-level industrial innovation, R&D and specialization in ICT field.

The assessment of the outcome of the first forum between Korea and Africa, held in Addis Abeba last December, was an excellent opportunity to explore the expectations of both sides regarding the perspectives of their cooperation and partnership.

The involvement of the Korean cultural institutions such as Korea-Africa Center, Korea Arab Society, and Korea Foundation helped to consolidate the cultural dimensions of that partnership in a spirit of genuine diversity.

Moreover, we should praise the efforts being made by Korea along with the international community to achieve the goals of the “2030 agenda for sustainable development” and the African Union “Agenda 2063” which is a strategic framework of socioeconomic transformation of the continent for the next coming 50 years.

Meanwhile, we should work hand in hand to ensure the engagement of the two sides to promote the values and best practices of democracy, good governance, state of law and respect of human rights, in its different political, economic and social components.

In conclusion, we feel confident that the series of events aiming at celebrating Africa Day and particularly the celebration of this meaningful event in the premises of the National Assembly, will strengthen the commitment of this democratic institution to better advocate for the promotion of the Korean-African relationships and cooperation and diffuse an objective and a very promising image of Africa in Korea.