By Marline Atieno
On Tuesday, President William Ruto spoke at the first Korea-Africa Summit and emphasized the significant contribution Korea can make to Africa’s development.
President Ruto’s visit to South Korea was aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
The President expressed Africa’s strong interest in establishing strong alliances with Korean investors to leverage Africa’s vast potential for job creation, economic growth and investment opportunities.
He mentioned that Africa has identified food security, science and technology, peace and security and health security as the key areas of collaboration with Korea.
“This summit signifies a determination to enhance this partnership and gather the necessary political support for Africa and Korea to thrive together through mutually beneficial partnerships.” President Ruto said.
“To achieve this, we must capitalize on our complementary strengths and implement mutually beneficial strategies based on equal partnership,” he further stated.
Additionally, President Ruto’s visit included participation in high-level meetings and forums focused on enhancing ties between Kenya and South Korea, as well as promoting mutual understanding and partnership between the two nations.
The summit, with the theme “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability and Solidarity,” was hosted by President Yoon Suk Yeol at the Korea International Exhibition Centre in Goyang.
President Ruto highlighted that Africa’s resources, such as a vibrant young and skilled population, extensive fertile land, significant renewable energy reserves and abundant mineral wealth, have not been fully utilized.
The visit also provided an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s economic potential and seek support for key development initiatives.