Uganda has plans to open a resident Diplomatic Mission in the Republic of Korea to ensure Uganda achieves maximum benefits from the relations between the two nations, Hon. Okello Oryem, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has revealed during a bi-lateral meeting with Hon. Chung Byung-won, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea on the sidelines of the Ministerial meeting of the first Korea-Africa Summit held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea in Seoul, on 2 nd June 2024. The Summit which comes in the wake of the 7th Korea-Africa Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) Ministerial Conference, in September 2023, will run from 4-5 th June 2024, under the theme “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity.” Uganda’s delegation, led by H.E. the Vice President, Jessica Alupo includes Minister of Finance, Hon. Matia Kasaija, ICT, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, Science, Technology and innovation, Hon. Monica Jane Musenero Masanza, State for Works, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru and Hon. Davinia Esther Anyakun, Minister of State for Gender, Labor and Social Development in charge of employment and Industrial Relations and Vice Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fred Opolot. Speaking from Seoul, Hon. Okello revealed that among the topics up for discussion are collaborative solutions for sustainable development, with a focus on tackling global challenges such as climate change, food security, supply chain stability, and health security.

“These issues are critical for Africa’s development and we all look forward to seeing their effective implementation,” he said. Against the backdrop of ten (10) existing MoUs between Uganda and Korea, Hon. Okello said that an additional two would be signed during the Summit, including a Trade and Investment Promotion Framework Agreement and another in Loan Financing. Such a framework provides the Korean Investors predictability and stability in the cooperation that serves also as a channel to resolve difficulties faced by companies of the two nations investing and advancing into each other’s markets. “We look forward to the additional signing of an MOU between our two ministers of Finance from Korea and Uganda on the Summit sidelines under which South Korea will increase its concessional loan commitment to Uganda from USD 34-US$500 million for the period 2024-2028” said Okello, adding that Uganda will, in addition, submit a raft of Bankable projects to be considered for funding by Korea in the area of Infrastructure and Energy. Thanking the delegation of Uganda for responding positively to the invitation to the Summit, Deputy Foreign Minister Chung said Korea considers Uganda a valued and key strategic partner and the Summit was going to lay a strong foundation for stronger cooperation and partnership. “Korea is focusing on capacity building programmes aimed at extending technology transfers and building required skills, manufacturing capacities for Uganda’s industrial growth and development and also sharing of expertise and knowledge,” said Chung.

On the sidelines of the summit, there will be a series of conference sessions across a wide range of topics, including business, agriculture, ICT, forestry and desertification, vaccine and health security, tourism, infrastructure among others aimed at creating partnerships between Korea and Africa. On 5th June a Business Summit will be held at Lotte Hotel Seoul and will focus on two topics: (a) Industrialization and Trade promotion and (b) Infrastructure enhancement and job creation. The Uganda delegation will participate in the following side events: (i) Korea-Africa Tourism Forum (ii) Korea- Africa Future Partnership Conference (KOICA) (iii) The Korean –Africa Health Partnership (iv) Korea-Africa Infrastructure Forum, (v) Enhancing Vaccine access and Health Security in Africa, (vi) The 10th Global ICT Leadership Forum, and (vii) Korea Africa Youth Startup Forum. In attendance at the bi-lateral foreign ministers meeting was Uganda’s Ambassador to Japan, also accredited to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Amb. Kaahwa Tophace and Amb. Elly Kamahungye, Ag. Director Regional and International Economic Affairs.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda – Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan is currently leading the Seychelles delegation at the Korea-Africa Summit taking place at Kintex, Ilsan Province in South-Korea.

The Summit was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Mr. Yoon Suk Yeol during which he extended a warm welcome to all the African leaders and delegates participating in this important conference hosted by South Korea.

Amongst the various African leaders who addressed the conference during the Heads of State Plenary segment in the morning, President Ramkalawan described this inaugural Korea-Africa Summit as a significant milestone signaling the dawn of new opportunities for strategic collaboration and prosperity.

Speaking at the summit, President Ramkalawan highlighted the various challenges affecting the African continent and stressed on how these can only be addressed through the collective collaboration and strategic partnerships. 

“In addressing the complex challenges of our times, such as climate crisis, transnational crime, and conflicts, it is evident that no single nation can address these issues in isolation. The theme of our Summit, “The Future We Make Together: Shared Growth, Sustainability, and Solidarity” resonates deeply with the vision outlined in Agenda 2063 for Seychelles and the entire African continent. It emphasises the urgent need for collective action to foster mutual economic growth and realise our shared aspirations as equal partners.

The potential for a transformative partnership between Africa and Korea is palpable, rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. By leveraging our respective strengths and synergies, we have the opportunity to catalyse positive change not only within our regions but also on a global scale” stressed President Ramkalawan. 

The President emphasized on the critical importance of the combined partnership for growth potentials that exist through the Korea-African enhanced relations. “Central to our discussions lies the imperative of inclusive growth. Korea’s technological prowess, coupled with Africa’s youthful demographic and abundant natural resources, present a fertile ground for collaboration across various sectors. It is essential that our cooperation benefits all segments of society, empowering our youth through quality education and embracing sustainable economic models. Additionally, the robust economy of Korea and Africa’s progress in economic integration, exemplified by initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), serve as cornerstones for fostering economic growth, enhancing trade, and increasing investment opportunities for both regions.”

Addressing the conference, President Ramkalawan also took the opportunity to stress on the important role of African Small Island nations and the cooperation possibilities Africa Small Island Developing States (Africa SIDS) has to offer. He further highlighted Seychelles’ strong commitment towards enhancing relations in various domains with the Republic of Korea.

“Africa, which – lest we forget – also comprises of small African Island Developing States. Seychelles, with its strategic location and conducive business environment, is eager to enhance economic ties with Korea. We have unique advantages to offer for fostering entrepreneurship and connections. As fervent advocates for sustainability, Seychelles is committed to deepening cooperation with Korea in areas such as climate change adaptation, environmental protection, and the Blue Economy. Investing in sustainable infrastructure projects will not only bolster Africa’s economic stability but also enhance resilience, fortifying the Korea-Africa partnership for the long term. Sustainability, I should emphasise, is not merely a goal but a moral obligation that underpins our collective future.”

During the Leaders morning plenary session, various other African Heads of State also took the floor, including countries such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mauritius, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bisau, Central Africa Republic, Ghana, Cabo Verde, Kenya and many others. The Korea-Africa Summit Pleanary session was also an opportunity for President Ramkalawan to interact with other African leaders and senior government officials. 

President Ramkalawan will tomorrow hold discussions with the President of the Republic Korea.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

From the 30th – 31st April 2024, High Commissioner Lalatiana Accouche participated in the 26th Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which was hosted by Sri Lanka, the present IORA Chairmanship, in a virtual mode.

Participants from the 23 Member States, IORA Specialized Agencies and the IORA Secretariat focused their discussions on the theme of “Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity,”.

During the meetings, High Commissioner Accouche highlighted Seychelles’ role as the Coordinating Country for the European Union as a Dialogue partner to IORA as well as Seychelles’ commitment to the Association’s values.  She also shared Seychelles’ priority areas as the country presently holding the Chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and briefed the meeting on the Ocean Knowledge Education Programme project being undertaken by Seychelles, with the aim of bolstering the Blue Economy concept in the IORA region, particularly through sustainable ocean management education for 12 to 13-year-olds.

The objectives of the CSO’s centre on establishing regional economic cooperation priorities and coordinating work programs for specific actions and projects.

The IORA Council of Ministers is expected to take place in the last quarter of this year. Seychelles joined IORA in November 2011.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism – Foreign Affairs Department, Republic of Seychelles.

As the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, seeks to complete its democratic transition by conducting free, fair and credible elections in December this year, the United Nations is supporting the process.

A recent three-day training facilitated by the UN’s Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) aimed to build capacities among relevant stakeholders in Western Bahr El Ghazal on electoral administration and management.

“I am very happy to have participated in this training because I now have a clear understanding of an electoral process and what it entails to conduct elections,” said Makuac Wek Makuac, a youth representative. “I have also been empowered on the need for widespread civic education and I will pass on my learning to my peers so that we can have peaceful elections,” he added.

Makuac was one of 25 participants drawn from state institutions, civil society organizations, and media partners who were educated on legal frameworks governing elections, gender considerations, disability rights and barriers to equal access during election processes.

Apart from presentations, group discussions enabled the participants to consolidate their voices on the importance of voter education and recommend ways of expanding civic participation.

“It is a fact that women constitute more than half the population of South Sudan,” stated Shidihan Siddig of the Justice and Peace Commission. “It’s, therefore, imperative that we are not left behind when the time comes to vote,” she stressed, while expressing her determination to educate women on the importance of participating in elections.

The training successful galvanized each stakeholder to understand the roles expected of them throughout the electoral cycle.

For Peter Morkobi Gabriel the state human rights advisor, it is critical to ensure that civic and political rights which are fundamental human rights are enjoyed by all.

“This workshop has given us additional knowledge to ensure that any election conducted in South Sudan is inclusive,” declared Peter Morkobi. “Persons with disabilities, women, the elderly, we will see to it that no one is left behind during this process,” he stated.

Despite confirmed delays in the implementation of benchmarks enshrined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, it was an enthusiastic group of participants who went home after the three-day training, confident that come December 2024, the population will go to the polls to choose their leaders.

Mr. Morkobi thinks therefore, that this important training should be extended to other key actors.

“We appreciate the UN for empowering us through this training and hope they will extend it to uniformed personnel so that, they too can understand their role in respecting civil and political space and ensuring peace and security.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).