SEOUL, South Korea (AX) — South Korea has pledged support for Somalia’s growth initiatives. This announcement came after high-level discussions between Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and his South Korean counterpart, Han Duck-soo, in Seoul during the first-ever South Korea–Africa Summit. The conversation spotlighted a partnership grounded in mutual gain, focusing on crafts, skill enhancement, economic foundations, and tech.
“Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea has vowed to aid Somalia in developing vital services to benefit the Somali populace,” declared a release from Prime Minister Barre’s office.
“The meeting marks a step forward in enhancing the partnership and understanding between Somalia and South Korea, underscoring the value of robust global ties.”
Following the South Korea–Africa Summit, the bilateral dialogue included Prime Minister Barre and leaders from 48 African nations, alongside the African Union and the African Development Bank. With the summit theme, “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity,” they tackled pressing global dilemmas like climate change, food scarcity, and health crises.
In his opening remarks, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol unveiled substantial aid and investment initiatives for Africa, signaling a boost in trade relations with the continent. This strategic move underscores Africa’s pivotal role in the global economy, given its vast 1.4 billion population and $3.1 trillion GDP. South Korea’s engagement is particularly noteworthy as it has recently joined the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member and allied with NATO.
During the summit, Prime Minister Barre underscored Somalia’s investment prospects and the government’s strides in security, economic growth, and social development in his address. He also met with other African leaders to discuss Somalia’s circumstances and explore collaborative ventures.
Other African nations also received significant commitments from South Korea. Tanzania and Ethiopia sealed loan agreements worth billions for infrastructure, science and technology, health, and urban development. These deals open up South Korea to Africa’s essential mineral assets and large-scale markets.
