Republic of Korea, Africa seek cooperation in areas of science, technology

Addis Ababa, November 22, 2023 (FBC) – The Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Dessie Dalkie took part in Global Korea Forum 2023 on Korea- Africa partnership in Science and Technology in Seoul, the Republic of Korea.

During the forum which took place under the theme “A new paradigm for the Korea-Africa Partnership: Science, Technology, and Innovation in Focus”, Ambassador Dessie Dalkie stated that the Republic of Korea and Africa have to share experiences in the areas of science and technology.

The Ambassador also stressed the need for Africa to digitize its economy calling the experiences to be gained from Republic of Korea instrumental to this end.

He noted Ethiopia and other African Nations could learn from Korea’s advancements in ICT and Technology, particularly in the Artificial Intelligence.

Mekuria Haile (PhD), Ethiopian Civil Service Commissioner, explained Republic of Korea’s best practices in science and technology, highlighting the opportunities for cooperation in these areas.

The commissioner also emphasized that technology transfer from the Republic of Korea to Africa should be catalyzed by using support programs like Korean Official Development Assistance (ODA).

In his speech, Ambassador Woon-Ki Lyeo, the president of Korea-African Foundation, recalled how Ethiopia had supported South Korea during the Korean War and emphasized the need for stronger ties between Africa and the Republic of Korea in areas such as science and technology.

President of Science and Technology Policy Institute of Korea, African ambassadors in Korea, Korean higher government officials and researchers participated in the forum.