2024 Korea-Africa Summit and Korea-Tanzania relations

It is not long ago that South Korea (Republic of Korea) and Tanzania have become close friends to each other.

It was the year of 1961 when South Korea established its diplomatic relations with African nations for the first time, while South Korea and Tanzania established the diplomatic relations on April 30, 1992.

Since then, our two countries have steadily developed strong cooperation, and this relationship, grounded in mutual respect and shared values, has undergone significant evolution.

In order to pave a solid way for even greater partnership, Korea is hosting ‘2024 Korea-Africa Summit’ from June 4 to 5 with the main theme of ‘The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity.’

The Summit signifies our commitment to stronger partnership that transcends boundaries, ushering in an era of heightened collaboration and shared success.

South Korea is dedicated to building a mutually beneficial, long-term and sustainable partnership with Africa, as the continent is aiming at the African Union (AU)’s “Agenda 2063.”

It is noteworthy that this Summit comes at an exciting time in our bilateral relations, as South Korea and Tanzania are forging ever stronger ties in the field of development, economic cooperation, and trade and investment.

South Korean companies are expanding their partnership in Tanzania’s major infrastructure and transportation projects to assist Tanzania unlock its development potentials.

For the Standard Gauge Railway project, Korea’s ultra-modern electric locomotives and passenger coaches have already arrived in Dar es Salaam, and they are successfully running on their trial journeys.

Along the Coco Beach coastline, there is the wonderful Tanzanite Bridge, designed and built by Korean companies with highest safety standards.

In Zanzibar, Korean company has completed the Mater Plan for MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition) project, which will lead to blooming of Zanzibar’s MICE industry.

Also, in the field of development cooperation, both countries are closely working together for realizing Tanzania’s Vision 2025. Korea’s ODA organizations – for example, Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) - are partnering with Tanzania in the areas including agriculture, health, infrastructure, administration, education, and vocation training.

Building on such partnership, the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit will drive Korea and Tanzania towards even closer cooperation. In particular, as Korea’s Ambassador, I truly wish that the historical meeting will take place in Seoul between the two leaders, H.E. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and H.E. President Yoon Suk Yeol, which will become a milestone for our bilateral relations.

Acknowledging our shared visions, and capitalizing on our respective strengths, we will be able to unlock greater opportunities for shared prosperity.

Most of all, Tanzania has its unique position as a leader in East Africa, abundant with human capitals and natural resources such as critical minerals.

During the Korea-Africa Summit, Korea looks forward to forging stronger partnership in terms of addressing global challenges as well as strengthening global mineral supply chain, expanding blue economy, and enhancing ICT cooperation to name a few.

Needless to say, the Summit will also lay the foundation for increased business and investment opportunities between our two countries. Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) is actively seeking companies and investors who are ready to venture into new business partnership.

Increased trade volume of high quality products between our two countries will benefit both of us, bringing about shared prosperity. Furthermore, I firmly believe that the upcoming Summit will be an opportunity to celebrate our long-term friendship for generations to come by boosting people-to-people, cultural and academic exchanges. We have about two months to go before the Summit, and we will soon observe our bilateral relations evolve to another level.

Tuko Pamoja !