President Ruto in Seoul for the Korea-Africa Summit

President William Ruto has arrived in Seoul, South Korea, for the Korea-Africa Summit, which will kick off on Tuesday.

The summit aims to build strong relations between South Korea and Africa, leveraging each other’s strengths to foster mutual growth, tackle global challenges, and reinforce solidarity for peace and security.

The President will also hold bilateral talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol aimed at escalating areas of cooperation.

He was received by Ambassador Kang Seok-hee, former Korean Ambassador to Seychelles and currently the State Representative for Reconstruction Efforts in Ukraine.  Kenyan Ambassador to South Korea Prof. Emmy Kipsoi was present.

The two leaders are also expected to review the progress of the Ksh 132 billion Framework Arrangement partnership agreed upon during President Yoon Suk Yeol’s in November 2022.

This partnership focuses on key projects including water and irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure and the creative economy.

Agreements worth Ksh 40 billion will be concluded to create opportunities in Kenya’s creative economy sector and Ksh 25 billion for water and irrigation projects.

At the summit, Africa and South Korea will discuss areas of mutual interest, including trade promotion, industrialization, infrastructure development and job creation.

The discussions will also cover agricultural productivity, climate change response and transitioning to carbon-free energy. These topics align with President Ruto’s roles as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform and the Chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change.