Video Conference with Heads of Mission from 6 African Countries... Utilizing 'K-Quarantine' Diplomatic Assets to Strengthen Africa Diplomacy

Support for Over 600 Overseas Koreans Returning from Sub-Saharan Africa

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the afternoon of the 15th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a video conference chaired by Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Tae-ho with heads of diplomatic missions in the African region to review the status of support for the return of Korean nationals in Africa and discuss measures to strengthen Korea-Africa cooperation related to COVID-19, including humanitarian aid.

The meeting was attended by six heads of diplomatic missions in Africa, including the Ambassadors to Ghana, South Africa, Angola, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya, as well as officials from relevant departments at headquarters and related ministries.

Vice Minister Lee Tae-ho evaluated the efforts of Korean diplomatic missions to protect overseas nationals despite the high-intensity social control measures such as lockdowns and movement restrictions in various African countries and difficult conditions, and urged them to continue their efforts for the safety of Korean nationals and African diplomacy.

Additionally, the Vice Minister discussed the current status of support for the return of overseas nationals in Africa and requested minimizing inconveniences for Korean nationals during the return process. As of the 15th, more than 600 overseas nationals have returned from sub-Saharan Africa via private charter flights and other means.

The heads of diplomatic missions attending the meeting explained the trends of COVID-19 spread in each country, activities to protect overseas nationals, and the status and plans for exceptional entry support for Korean businesspeople, exchanging opinions on ways to strengthen Korea-Africa diplomacy by utilizing Korea’s diplomatic assets related to COVID-19, such as humanitarian aid and K-quarantine.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "This meeting is evaluated as an opportunity to review measures to protect our nationals in the African region where COVID-19 continues to spread and to seek cooperation measures with African countries in the new diplomatic environment after COVID-19."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.