Seoul: Sierra Leone on Sunday joined delegates from across Africa and the Republic of Korea at the Korea-Africa Senior Officials Meeting held at the Crystal Ballroom of the Lotte Hotel Seoul, ahead of the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting scheduled for June 1.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the meeting was held under the theme, ‘Partnership for Joint Responses to Global Challenges,’ and brought together representatives from more than 50 African countries, the Republic of Korea, the African Union, the African Development Bank, the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and responding to shared global challenges.
Sierra Leone’s delegation included Mr. Momodu Adama Wurie, Deputy Director-General for Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Dr. David Sidikie Yambasu, Senior Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. They were accompanied by Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the Republic of Korea; Ms. Rachel Musu Kanu, Head of Chancery at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Seoul; and other diplomatic staff of the mission.
Opening the meeting, Ms. Chung Eui-hae, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Republic of Korea, welcomed delegates to Seoul and underscored the growing importance of Korea-Africa cooperation at a time of increasing global uncertainty. She highlighted key concerns including economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, food and energy insecurity, public health threats, and rapid technological change.
Deputy Minister Chung said Africa and the Republic of Korea share common interests and challenges, and stressed the need for stronger partnerships that promote sustainable development, economic resilience, innovation, and shared prosperity. She expressed confidence that deliberations at the Senior Officials Meeting would significantly inform preparations for the Ministerial Meeting and deepen cooperation between both sides.
Discussions covered several priority areas, including agriculture, digital transformation, infrastructure development, healthcare, trade, investment, human resource development, and capacity building. Delegates also reviewed progress made since the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit and examined practical steps for implementing commitments already agreed upon by leaders from Africa and the Republic of Korea.
A key item on the agenda was the proposed joint statement expected to be adopted at the close of the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting. The document is expected to provide a framework for future cooperation and outline shared priorities for strengthening Africa-Korea relations.
Speaking during the engagement, Ambassador Paul Sobba Massaquoi welcomed the continued expansion of Africa-Korea relations and emphasized the importance of ensuring that the proposed joint statement reflects the development priorities and aspirations of African countries.
He said Sierra Leone values its growing partnership with the Republic of Korea and remains committed to advancing cooperation in areas that support sustainable development, economic transformation, investment, innovation, capacity building, and mutually beneficial engagement. He added that the meeting provides an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and stronger ties between African countries and the Republic of Korea.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and promoting practical partnerships capable of addressing emerging global challenges while supporting inclusive growth and sustainable development. The outcomes of the Senior Officials Meeting will feed into discussions at the Korea-Africa Ministerial Meeting, where ministers are expected to adopt a joint statement outlining a roadmap for future cooperation.
Sierra Leone also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the Republic of Korea and to supporting initiatives that promote shared prosperity, sustainable development, and stronger Africa-Korea relations.