Remarks by H.E. Cho Tae-yul

Minister of Foreign Affairs

Opening Ceremony of 2024 Africa Culture Festival

May 10, 2024

(Greetings)

Your Excellency Ambassador Carlos Victor Boungou, Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea,

Excellencies,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a great pleasure for me to celebrate the Opening of the Africa Culture Festival together with you.

The three-day Africa Culture Festival has been organized as a special event that celebrates the forthcoming Korea-Africa Summit in June.

Before we begin the Festival, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the amazing efforts of the African Diplomatic Corps in Korea.

Their active contribution has added so much vibrancy and diversity to the event. My sincere gratitude goes to all African Ambassadors for their support and devoted efforts.

I also thank distinguished members of Summit Advisory Committee, professors, and experts joining us today, for their invaluable insight and advice in preparing for the Summit.

(2024 Korea-Africa Summit)

Africa is widely perceived as the cradle of humanity and human civilization. Now, Africa is gaining more attention as the youngest, the fastest-growing, and the most dynamic continent on Earth.

This shift in perspective hinges on Africa’s rapid emergence as a vast single market with a population of 1.4 billion people and a burgeoning economic growth rate of 3.8%. Africa is undoubtedly emerging as a global economic powerhouse.

Despite our geographical distance, Korea and Africa share similar historical experience of colonialism and warfare in the contemporary history.

Korea is, therefore, well placed to forge special bonds with African countries in their journey towards a brighter tomorrow.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Korean government is hosting the first-ever Korea-Africa Summit, inviting leaders of African countries at Ilsan KINTEX and Seoul from June 4 to 5.

Under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, there has been a steadfast commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations with Africa.

Through sincere efforts and dedication, we have been working to foster stronger bonds with our African counterparts.

And now, as a precious outcome of such diplomatic endeavors, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit.

To realize the Korean government’s vision of becoming a Global Pivotal State (GPS), cooperation with Africa is no longer an option, but indeed a necessity.

I am confident that the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit will stand as a historic milestone in Korea-Africa relations, heralding the opening of a new era.

(Cultural cooperation between Korea-Africa)

Culture has power to connect people beyond the walls and across borders. We are witnessing how power of culture can change the world.

In Africa, the Korean wave, encompassing Korean food, K-pop, K-Drama, and K-beauty, is gaining increasing popularity among younger generation.

Korean people are also opening their eyes to the beauty and charm of African culture. There has been a continuous stream of people-to-people exchanges between Korea and Africa, and Africa has emerged as an attractive travel destination to Koreans.

These examples show the growing mutual engagement and understanding between Korea and Africa.

(Closing Remarks)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I believe that today’s Africa Culture Festival will provide my fellow Koreans with valuable opportunities to explore and immerse themselves in the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Africa.

I hope this three-day event allows all of us to gain a deeper appreciation of the stunning beauty of Africa.

Thank you very much indeed.  /END/