Vice Minister Joseyung Holds Video Conference with Heads of Diplomatic Missions in 7 African Countries... Discusses 'Post-Corona' Africa Diplomacy and More

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 26th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a video conference chaired by First Vice Minister Joseyong with the heads of seven diplomatic missions in the African region to discuss the spread and response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Africa, the protection status of overseas nationals, and Korea's diplomacy with Africa after COVID-19.

The meeting was attended by seven heads of diplomatic missions in the African region, including Ambassador Joo Gabong, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mozambique, Democratic Congo, Sudan, and Tanzania, as well as officials from relevant departments at headquarters.

Vice Minister Jo evaluated the efforts made by the missions to protect Korean nationals, including support for their return, despite the difficult conditions with vulnerable medical and health environments, and urged to strengthen cooperation with African countries after COVID-19 by utilizing Korea's diplomatic assets related to COVID-19, such as quarantine experience. As of the 26th, more than 800 Korean nationals have returned from sub-Saharan Africa via private charter flights and others.

Vice Minister Jo said, "Please prioritize the safety of our nationals while paying attention to possible changes in the situation due to the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 spread," and requested, "Based on Korea-Africa win-win cooperation, please make efforts for post-COVID-19 Africa diplomacy in various fields such as health and quarantine diplomacy, support for the advancement of our entrepreneurs, and development cooperation."

In response, the heads of missions attending the meeting explained the trends and situations of COVID-19 spread in each country, activities to protect overseas nationals including support for the return of Korean nationals in Africa, and the support and cooperation achievements of K-quarantine supplies, exchanging opinions on ways to strengthen Korea-Africa diplomacy after COVID-19 considering local conditions and demands.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "This meeting is evaluated as an opportunity to review measures to protect our nationals in the African region where COVID-19 continues to spread, following the video conferences with heads of African missions held on April 1 and May 15, 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.