Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has engaged in a series of one-on-one discussions with foreign ministers from 11 African nations, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and expanding cooperative efforts, as reported by Seoul's foreign ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho met with the foreign ministers of Ghana, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, Kenya, Angola, Rwanda, Benin, Algeria, Sao Tome and Principe, and Botswana in Seoul. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Cho welcomed their visits to South Korea, while the African ministers congratulated Seoul on hosting the gathering and praised its commitment to African cooperation.

In his meeting with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Cho acknowledged Ghana's role as co-chair of the ministerial meeting and vice chair of the African Union. They concurred on expanding cooperation in areas such as economy, defense, and maritime security.

In discussions with Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, Cho expressed a desire for increased cooperation in the energy sector. Algeria is a significant supplier of naphtha and crude oil to South Korea. Attaf assured support for Korean investments in Algeria's oil sector.

During talks with Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio, Cho emphasized the potential for broader cooperation in energy and infrastructure, considering global supply chain issues. Meanwhile, Cho and Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali looked forward to the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and agreed on strengthening cooperation in various sectors.

Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo appreciated South Korea's involvement in development projects and expressed hope for more South Korean investments. Cho also participated in a breakfast meeting with representatives from the African Union, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, and the African Development Bank.

The ministry announced plans for Cho to hold further talks with foreign ministers from Nigeria, Malawi, Gambia, the Republic of the Congo, Togo, South Sudan, and Egypt. Government representatives, business leaders, and experts from South Korea and 50 African nations attended the Korea-Africa Business Forum to explore joint responses to global challenges and opportunities for shared growth.