Rwanda’s President, Paul KAGAME has re-echoed the need for more cooperation between the South Korean nation and the African continent in areas of technological innovation and energy transition. He made the remarks during his first address at the Korea- Africa summit on Tuesday.
During his first address at the Korea-Africa summit on Tuesday, President Paul Kagame called on the African continent and the East Asian country to work together in the development of artificial intelligence and robotics, as well as energy transition and nuclear technology.
The Rwandan leader affirmed the two-day summit held in Seoul was long overdue, given the status of relations between Africa and South Korea, highlighted the two parties have been relating together positively and productively.
« Korea is a global pivotal state, and Africa is a pivotal continent. It is only natural for us to draw closer together, in the years ahead, for many reasons. » the president re-echoed.
He said that Korea’s sense of the value of sovereignty, independence, and the struggle required to achieve accountable and inclusive politics allowed both Africa and South Korea « to look at each other eye-to-eye, with mutual respect and admiration. »
He noted that partnerships with Korea have focused on innovation, which helped to bring the latest technologies to Rwanda and Africa more quickly.
« This Summit serves to remind us that even more can be done. From artificial intelligence and robotics, to small modular nuclear reactors, to driving the energy transition with critical raw materials, Africa and Korea should be working side-by-side, » Kagame said.
He noted that Africa has much to offer in return, notably by taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Co-chaired by the South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Mohamed El Ghazouani of Mauritania, who is the current also the African Union Chairperson, the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit serves as an opportunity to enhance cooperation between the Asian country and the African continent.
