Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati took part on Monday in a ministerial session themed “Enhancing Economic Co-operation: Advancing Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth”, as part of the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting, in Seoul.
Abdel-Aati presented Egypt’s vision for boosting co-operation between South Korea and African countries, saying that such partnership could support sustainable development and promote shared prosperity across the continent.
He stressed that Africa owns significant potential for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, given its abundant natural resources and young population.
Tackling challenges pertaining to peace, security, and development requires a holistic approach focused on infrastructure development, industrialisation, technology transfer and localisation, climate adaptation, and strengthening food, water, and energy security, he added.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
Urging reform of the international financial system, the Egyptian top diplomat also called for international financial institutions and multilateral development banks to provide greater access to concessional financing for African countries.
Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s support for the African common position on reforming the UN Security Council, referring to Korea-Africa co-operation as a promising model for development.
He also stressed the importance of expanding South-South co-operation through knowledge sharing and mutually beneficial partnerships.
He also highlighted ongoing trilateral co-operation programmes with South Korea in several African countries.
On water security, Abdel-Aati said the issue is an existential challenge for Egypt and closely linked to its national security.
He called for respect for international law governing shared water resources and greater co-operation on sustainable water management.
Meanwhile, Abdel-Aati reviewed preparations for the first Alamein-Africa Business Forum, which will be held later this month.
He invited South Korea and Korean companies to participate and explore investment opportunities across Africa.
