Seoul: Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, has called for deeper economic cooperation between Africa and the Republic of Korea to promote shared prosperity, industrialisation, and sustainable development. Mr Ablakwa, speaking as co-chair of the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Seoul, emphasized the need for a transformative economic collaboration that goes beyond traditional cooperation models, aiming to create jobs, support technology transfer, and strengthen productive capacities across the African continent.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting, themed 'Strengthening Economic Cooperation, Promoting Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth,' highlights the strategic importance of Africa-South Korea relations and underscores a mutual commitment to respect, solidarity, and sustainable development. Mr Ablakwa praised South Korea's decision to proceed with the ministerial meeting despite health concerns reported in a few African countries, viewing it as a demonstration of confidence in Africa and a rejection of negative stereotypes.
Mr Ablakwa expressed gratitude towards South Korea for supporting the United Nations General Assembly resolution spearheaded by Ghana, which declared the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity. He noted South Korea's firm support for Resolution A/RES/80/250 and its significance to African descendants worldwide.
The Minister highlighted the pressing need for stronger international partnerships in the current global environment, marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, climate-related shocks, economic volatility, and rapid technological changes. He emphasized that no country or region could tackle these challenges in isolation and called for enhanced cooperation to foster resilience and sustainable growth.
Drawing historical parallels, Mr Ablakwa noted that Africa and Korea share a legacy of overcoming colonial domination. He recounted South Korea's independence from Japanese rule in 1945, coinciding with the Fifth Pan-African Congress in Manchester, a pivotal event in Africa's decolonisation movement. This shared history, he stressed, should guide both regions towards full economic liberation.
Mr Ablakwa highlighted Africa's economic potential, citing its youthful demographic, expanding markets, abundant natural resources, and growing innovation ecosystems. He pointed out that African governments are focusing on policies to accelerate industrialisation, improve infrastructure, promote digital transformation, and enhance regional integration for sustainable economic opportunities.
He described South Korea as a global leader in industrialisation, technology, and innovation, offering valuable lessons for African countries. Key areas for enhanced collaboration include trade and investment, infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy, digital technology, healthcare, climate resilience, and industrial development.
The Minister also identified emerging sectors such as e-governance, green growth, and technical and vocational education as offering immense opportunities for future cooperation, aligning with the African Union's Agenda 2063 for industrialisation and sustainable economic transformation.
Acknowledging institutions like the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea-Africa Foundation, Mr Ablakwa expressed optimism that the meeting would build on momentum from the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, resulting in practical outcomes. He noted the discussions aimed to identify new cooperation opportunities in digital innovation, energy transition, food security, and more.
Lastly, he cited shared positions on UN reform and the advancement of the Ezulwini Consensus, Africa's stance on UN Security Council reform. Mr Ablakwa commended South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min Suk for prioritising Africa-Korea relations and highlighted Ambassador Kojo Choi, Ghana's first ambassador of South Korean descent, as a symbol of the close ties between the two nations. The Minister reaffirmed Africa's commitment to equitable partnerships delivering lasting benefits to both sides.