SEOUL – As Somalia moved towards fostering international cooperation and development, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has joined world leaders at the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit, held in Seoul, South Korea, on June 4-5, 2024.
The summit, themed “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity,” is a landmark event aimed at strengthening the relationship between Africa and the Republic of Korea.
Prime Minister Barre arrived in Seoul on June 3, 2024, leading a delegation from the Federal Government of Somalia. The summit is set to gather leaders from African countries, the African Union, and the African Development Bank to discuss vital topics such as finance, development, and infrastructure.
The event underscores the importance of Africa in the global economy, with the continent contributing 3% to Korean exports and 1% to its imports.
The Korea-Africa Summit provides a platform for leaders to address global challenges, including climate change, food shortages, and health issues. It also offers an opportunity for South Korea to secure critical mineral imports and boost trade ties with Africa. With its rapid transformation from a war-torn, impoverished backwater to Asia’s fourth-largest economy, South Korea is well-positioned to share its development experience with African nations.
During the summit, Prime Minister Barre is scheduled to deliver a speech discussing Somalia’s current situation and the progress made under his administration.
The event is expected to result in the signing of a slew of agreements with countries attending the summit, laying the foundation for comprehensive cooperation in various sectors, including the exchange of information related to critical minerals, technological collaboration, and joint exploration.
The Korea-Africa Summit is a testament to the growing importance of Africa in the global economy and the commitment of world leaders to foster shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity.
As Prime Minister Barre and his delegation engage in discussions and negotiations, the summit promises to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and development between the Republic of Korea and African nations.
