Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has spoken of his country’s enduring partnership with South Korea during this week’s Korea-Africa Summit, the first of its kind hosted by Seoul.
Abiy’s remarks provided historical context as the summit marked a new era of deepened engagement between Korea and African nations. Korea announced billions in financing and investment commitments as it looks to secure greater economic cooperation and opportunities across the continent.
“The ties between Africa and Korea date back to the Korean War of the early nineteen fifties, fostering a strong partnership rooted in collective security,” Prime Minister Abiy stated during the inaugural two-day summit.
He noted that Ethiopia emerged as a key ally to Korea by contributing the Kagnew Infantry Battalion to help protect freedom on the Korean peninsula during the 1950-53 Korean War.
Abiy’s comments highlighting Ethiopia’s historical support role came as Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged $14 billion in export financing for Korean firms investing in Africa, as well as increasing Korea’s official development assistance to the continent to $10 billion by 2030.
The summit, attended by representatives from 48 African countries under the theme “The Future We Make Together”, marked a significant step in Korea’s diplomatic and economic re-engagement with Africa.
For Prime Minister Abiy, it was an opportunity to remind the world of Ethiopia’s contributions during the Korean War over 70 years ago when Ethiopian troops made up part of the U.S.-led U.N. forces supporting South Korea.
“Ethiopia emerged as a significant ally to Korea…during the Korean War,” Abiy emphasized, according to his office’s account of his summit remarks.
The symbolic nod to the decades-old security alliance illustrated the deeper roots underpinning Korea’s new robust outreach to the African continent.
As an emerging economic power, Korea is now actively courting African nations not just as investment destinations, but as partners in addressing challenges like climate change, food insecurity and promoting sustainable development.
For countries like Ethiopia with a long bilateral history with Korea, the summit carried extra significance in ushering in enhanced cooperation across a range of sectors.
While details still need to be finalized, Abiy and other African leaders welcomed Korea’s commitment of major financing and project support as they pursue their own economic growth and development agendas.
