In commemoration of Korea National Day in Nigeria
By Yuccee Uwah, The Korea Post correspondent in Nigerian
Korean arts, culture, cuisines, exhibitions were held in NigeriaSeveral Nigerian government officials and legislators, members of diplomatic corps, business community, Korean community and companies in Nigeria, culture enthusiast, and friends of Korea in Nigeria, the commemoration of Korea National Day 2023 in Abuja, Nigeria’s was another opportunity to reflect on the journey of partnership and friendship across divers fronts: diplomatic relations, trade and investments, economic development, political relations and education and cultural exchanges between Republic Korea and Federal Republic of Nigeria, the host country.
The Korean ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Kim Young Chae, the host of this august event, the 2023 day is a milestone, hence used the opportunity to highlights numerous achievements recorded during his tenure as chief envoy of Korean Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He noted that the 2023 event will be his last celebration as Korean Envoy to Nigeria as his term in Nigeria ends early 2024, rolled out achievements recorded under his leadership as Korean Ambassador in Nigeria.
He assumed post as Ambassador, and submitted his letter of credence on March 25, 2021, to former Nigerian president, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari at Abuja, Nigeria.
Also, the Korean Embassy used it as platform for highlighting colorful display of Korean arts and culture, dances, music, cuisines and more to admiration of the guests at Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja. The sideline exhibition by Korean companies in Nigeria demonstrates to increase Korean participation in development of the private sector in Nigeria’s economy, and investments. It is a positive outcome of enduring partnership between Korean companies and Nigeria in deepening frontiers of investment and growth delivering services across diverse sectors.
Ambassador Chae in his welcome speech thanked his guests for joining in the commemoration of Korea National Day, an important event to celebrate the country, people, and cultures.
He said that the Korean Embassy and Korean community in Nigeria continue to contribute towards the growth of Nigeria’s economy and acknowledged generosity of government of Nigeria, host country, and Nigerians to Korean community and companies in Nigeria.
In giving an account of his stewardship as Korean Ambassador to Nigeria he that relations between Korea and Nigeria have deepened across all sectors including economy, investment, political cooperations, educational and cultural exchange, for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Consolidating Korea Nigeria Relations and Africa
Ambassador Chae reiterated that the aftermath of Nigeria elections early in February 2023, with the political process is finally over that democracy needs patience and compromise. “Now we have a high expectation that Nigeria will concentrate on economic development. Korea is among the first countries that President Tinubu had summit meetings with.”
He disclosed that President Yoon and President Tinubu had a very fruitful meeting in India on sidelines of the G20 Summit. He expressed optimism that there will be another bilateral summit meet in Seoul billed for June 4 to 5, 2024, when Korea hosts the Korea-Africa summit. It will produce fruitful results.
While further highlighting emerging opportunity in relations between Korean and Nigeria, he noted “The Korean government is doing so much in Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular.”
“Currently, the humanity is facing daunting challenges like climate change, disruption of global supply chain, geopolitical conflicts, and the emerging 4th industrial revolution.”
“All these international challenges cannot be effectively resolved without the active participation of Africa.”
“The Korean government is enhancing its overall relations with the continent and many Korean companies look at Africa. as the next manufacturing base as well as a single market. “
He further disclosed that “President Yoon and President Tinubu had a very fruitful meeting in New Delhi, India on the sidelines of the G20 Summit” which held in September 2023.
The Ambassador also disclosed that the government of Korea will be hosting the Korea-Africa Summit in 2024 to be attended by African heads of state and governments to discuss broad strategy of strengthening economic, investment, development objectives between Korea and African Continent.
“We hope that there will be another bilateral summit meeting in Seoul next year, when Korea hosts the Korea-Africa summit, it will produce fruitful results.”
A Valedictory Speech:
The Ambassador hinted to the August guests that his tour of duty as Korean Envoy to Nigeria and ECOWAS will be ending in early 2024.
“Since my term here (Nigeria), will end early next year. This will be my last national day reception in Nigeria. I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to the Government and people of Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and ECOWAS for helping me personally and professionally. Special thanks to my colleague ambassadors and their spouses.”
While describing his experience in Nigeria as rich and fruitful time. In his words, “My wife Judy and I have had a more colorful time here in Abuja.”
He commended his team at the Embassy of Korea in Abuja as great and supportive. “I want to also thank all members of Team Korea in Nigeria, which include KOICA, Korean Cultural Center. KOTRA, and Consulate Office in Lagos. We are working as one team to follow up with what our leaders agreed.”
He lauded Korean companies and nationals in Nigeria for being of support to the government objectives by providing excellent services to the Government and people of Nigeria and where he has accreditation as Ambassador. “I thank Korean companies and residents for working hard to enhance private sector cooperation.”
He praised the sideline exhibition at the Korea Day organized by staff of Korea Embassy and Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria Abuja as a good demonstration of deepened economic and investment between the two countries.
He also acknowledged huge support to the exhibition by Korean companies in Nigeria including, LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motors, Kia Motors, and Lynda/Sophia. While expressed appreciation to a leading Nigerian bank, UBA Bank that graciously sponsored the performance by Nike Art Gallery, a notable Nigerian arts outfit that promote the Nigerian culture as well as partnering with Korean Embassy to promote the Busan World Expo show scheduled to hold in 2030, in Busan, South Korea.
On Korea Africa Summit 2024:
The further noted that the decision to host the upcoming Korea Africa Summit 2024 scheduled for June 4 to 5, 2024 aimed at strengthening the emerging economic and investment partnership opportunities between Korea and Africa.
“Under this backdrop. the Korean government has decided to host a Korea-Africa summit next year for the first time in its history. This will lead to more high-level exchange of visits. more trade and investment opportunities. and the deepening of a mutual understanding.”
“Together with the summit meeting. the Korean government will expand its presence in Africa. It will increase its official development aid (ODA) budget in the areas of agriculture, education, health, climate adaptation, and humanitarian assistance. As a model of economic development for many developing countries.”
“Korea will showcase several platforms at the summit in order to share its experiences of building the manufacturing base and transforming agriculture. With the same spirit, the Korean government is determined to implement its long-term vision to go together with Africa for peace and prosperity by hosting 2030, Busan Expo”
The annual Korea National Day celebration is organized by the Embassy staff and Korean Cultural Center to highlight best of Korea to the world. This is the second edition since the pause on celebration was lifted in 2022 due to the COVID19 pandemic and social distancing protocols.