Africa-Press – Ethiopia. South Korea and Africa must align priorities to address development and security shortfalls, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said at the South Korea-Africa Summit which opened in Seoul today.
The two-day first-ever South Korea-Africa Summit is anticipated to focus on trade, technology and investment.
In his address to the summit, Prime Minister Abiy said the cooperation between Africa and South Korea has expanded over the years to encompass various sectors.
And “in the current global landscape, Africa and Korea must align priorities to address development and security shortfalls. Therefore, the summit offers an opportunity to envision a future blueprint for partnership and strengthen our synergy for our shared roles and sustainability.”
The premier noted that the ties between Africa and Korea date back to the Korean War of the early 1950s, fostering a strong partnership rooted in collective security.
In this case, Abiy pointed out that Ethiopia emerged as a significant ally to Korea, contributing the Kagnew infantry battalion to protect freedom of the Korean peninsula during the war.
Speaking on Africa’s untapped potential, he said the economic diversification of the continent’s focus is tapping to seize new opportunities during global transitions.
Despite challenges, the continent demonstrates economic dynamism prioritizing integration and paving its own path towards a prosperous future.
Ethiopia in particular, has taken proactive steps to address the food, climate and energy crises, the PM stated.
“Initiatives like the Green Legacy and food sovereignty efforts underscore our commitment to sustainable and green growth. As part of the continental efforts to achieve the African Union agricultural transformation agenda, Ethiopia has played an inspirational role in increasing wheat productivity.”
According to him, Ethiopia’s performance in wheat production indicates that Africa has a potential to shape the future of food globally.
Informed by Agenda 2063 in the African Continental Free Trade Area, the premier noted that the continent is also poised to harness its economic potential, aiming to become a key growth node in the global economy through integrated industrial productivity.
In this regard, Africa seeks to leverage Korea’s expertise in manufacturing to enhance industrial capacity.
He finally imparted that “Ethiopia’s investment in industrial parks align with the vision and offer opportunities for Korean industries to establish manufacturing plans, leveraging our abundant skilled youth workforce in significant market potential.”
For More News And Analysis About Ethiopia Follow Africa-Press
