▲ This file photo taken June 2, 2024, shows a South Korea-Africa foreign ministers' meeting held in Seoul. (Yonhap)

S Korea-Africa forum

Forum sheds light on Korea-Africa ties on energy, critical mineral

SEOUL, May 13 (Yonhap) -- Experts and government officials from South Korea and African nations gathered in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss Africa's strategic and economic importance ahead of an upcoming foreign ministers' meeting, the foreign ministry said.

Under the theme "Korea-Africa Partnership for Joint Responses to Global Crises," the Korea-Africa Partnership forum was held in Seoul, co-hosted by the foreign ministry and the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.

The forum came ahead of the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled to take place in Seoul on June 1-2, bringing together foreign ministers and representatives from 54 African countries.

At the forum, experts on Africa stressed the need for Seoul to actively strengthen ties with African countries rich in critical minerals and energy resources, particularly as geopolitical risks have intensified due to the Iran war and the subsequent supply chain disruptions.

Africa is considered a stable supplier of critical minerals and crude oil, and South Korean companies are expanding their presence in the region.

The Cape of Good Hope shipping route and African ports have also emerged as alternative logistics hubs to help ease global supply chain disruptions, according to experts.

"Africa is now a key strategic partner that can help guarantee South Korea's economic security and future growth," said Seo Sang-hyun, a research fellow at Korea University's Africa Research Center.

The ministry said it will finalize key agenda items for the upcoming ministerial meeting based on expert input presented at the seminar.

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