Nigeria Among Korea’s Top 5 Trade Partners In Africa – Envoy
to deepen economic, cultural exchange at inaugural Korea-Africa Summit
By People’s Voice Nigeria | News
Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu, has said Nigeria was amongst Korea’s top 5 trade partners in Africa, even as he noted that the current economic reforms in Nigeria could attract new investments from companies in Korea.
The new envoy who addressed newsmen on Monday in Nigeria, noted although Nigeria and Korea have enjoyed fruitful relations in the last 44 years, there was a need to further expand the economic and cultural exchanges between both countries.
He said: ” I would like to do my best to further expand economic exchanges between Korea and Nigeria.
“Nigeria is already Korea’s top 5 trade partners in Africa. I believe we can do more. Since the current Nigerian government is actively carrying out economic reform to improve the business environment in Nigeria, I will introduce this change to Korean companies and encourage them to venture into Nigeria and make investments.”
According to the envoy, the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit scheduled to hold in June in Seoul would provide another opportunity for Nigeria to explore how best to deepen existing relations especially in the areas of economy and culture not only between both national governments, but also the private sector.
“believe the first Korea-Africa Summit to be held will be a momentous occasion for the relations between Korea and Africa, and also Korea and Nigeria. The inaugural Korea-Africa Summit is expected to be the largest international gathering under the current administration.
“This reflects President Yoon Suk-yeol’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and strategic long-term partnership with Africa, aligning with Korea’s vision of becoming a Global Pivotal State. This marks a significant step in Korea’s comprehensive strategy to engage more deeply with the Global South, reflecting our commitment to global inclusiveness and cooperation.
“Korea will host many side events on this occasion including the Korea-Africa Business Summit and multiple forums on ICT, health, tourism and energy.
“These events will help us come up with practical and concrete measures to expand cooperation. During the Summit, there will be plenty of opportunities for Nigeria and Korea to explore ways to expand their bilateral economic and cultural exchanges both between governments and private sectors. In a nutshell, I believe the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit will set a new milestone in the relationship between Korea and Africa.”
Pankyu who expressed his commitment to bring his 40 years of service in the Korean Navy to bear during his stay in Nigeria,.said, “I will explore ways to deepen security cooperation drawing on my expertise in military and security affairs. In particular,
“I would like to focus on promoting cooperation on maritime security because securing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is essential not only for coastal countries including Nigeria but also for countries passing through this region including Korea. In addition, I intend to expand Korea’s support for capacity building of the Nigerian military and security officers.”
The Korean Ambassador also promised to facilitate people-to-people exchange between both countries using the power of culture to not only connect people but improve understanding of each other.
“Korean Culture Center in Abuja has played an important role in introducing Korean culture in Nigeria so far. I will do my best to provide Nigerians with more opportunities to experience various Korean cultural content. I will also explore ways to let more Nigerian students study in Korea.
“This is my first time to serve as an ambassador representing my country. I feel honoured to be once again allowed to work for my country, especially in this important and beautiful country.”
