RoK’s Ulsan pondering sister city partnership with Ethiopian counterparts

Addis Ababa, March 25, 2024 (FBC) – The city of Ulsan in the Republic of Korea, a pivotal hub for manufacturing and industry in the country, has disclosed its intention to explore collaborative opportunities with counterparts in Ethiopia.

This desire was articulated following a meeting between the Ambassador of Ethiopia to the Republic of Korea, Dessie Dalkie, and the Mayor of Ulsan, Mr. Kim Du-gyeom.

Ambassador Dessie Dalkie underscored the longstanding and distinctive historical connections between Ethiopia and Korea, emphasizing the need to enhance these ties through partnerships between cities.

The Ethiopian ambassador further emphasized that forging partnerships between Ulsan and cities in Ethiopia presents a mutual opportunity for both nations to further deepen their longstanding historical bonds and advance collectively. The Ambassador urged Mayor Kim to encourage companies in Ulsan to invest in Ethiopia.

In response, Mayor Kim Du-gyeom indicated that his administration will explore the possibility of establishing reciprocal exchange and investment alliances between Ulsan City and Ethiopian urban centers.

Mayor Kim Du-gyeom underscored Ethiopia’s strategic importance as a gateway for exporting products to the African market, exemplified by the export of Hyundai cars. He pledged to foster close cooperation with the Ethiopian Embassy in Seoul to promote investment opportunities in Ethiopia to Ulsan-based companies and facilitate their entry into the vast African market.

Following this commitment, Ambassador Dessie visited Hyundai Motors Company and Hyundai Heavy Motors during his official visit to Ulsan city.