Korea-Africa Summit 2024: Morocco invited, Polisario excluded
Morocco was invited by the Republic of South Korea to the next summit it will organise on 4 and 5 June in Seoul, from which the Polisario was excluded. A meeting in which the African countries recognised by the United Nations will take part, as well as the signing of several cooperation agreements between the Asian country and several African states.
The meeting between African countries and the Republic of Korea will take place on 4 and 5 June in Seoul. Korea has already begun preparations for the first summit with African states, in which Morocco has been invited to participate as one of the continent's most prominent guests.
This initiative, exclusive to African countries recognised by the United Nations, explicitly excluded the participation of the Polisario, which does not meet the necessary criteria to participate in this type of international event.
Korea will host this historic meeting with African nations, which will address a number of issues of great interest to both Africa and the Korean partner, namely economic, political and social cooperation, as well as initiatives to strengthen multilateral relations between Korea and African countries.
The meeting will also be an opportunity to consolidate cooperation in other areas, such as diplomatic and cultural cooperation. This will take the form of bilateral agreements to intensify investment cooperation and strengthen economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Morocco's participation in this event underlines the recognition of Moroccan diplomacy for its constant commitment to respecting international principles and the sovereignty of States.
A high-level delegation will represent Morocco, providing a unique opportunity to strengthen ties with the Republic of Korea and explore possible partnerships in various sectors.
In preparation, Moroccan diplomatic authorities plan to sign strategic agreements ahead of the summit, reflecting the two nations' mutual desire to consolidate their bilateral relations.
The reason for this anticipation is that Morocco has long been recognised as the first African country to have diplomatic and economic relations with South Korea. This demonstrates the solid and long-standing relationship between the two countries.
This bilateral relationship has been strengthened over the years through regular exchanges and collaborations in various sectors. For, ties between Morocco and South Korea date back to the 1962s, when diplomatic relations between the two countries were officially established.
Since then, these relations have evolved positively and have continued to flourish, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to intensify their long-term collaboration.
South Korea, which now holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for a two-year term, supports a lasting and mutually acceptable political solution to the Sahara issue, according to its position expressed at the seventh session of the Morocco-Korea Joint Commission in Seoul in 2018.
In this context, South Korea's position lends considerable support to the search for a solution to the Sahara conflict. It recognises the efforts made by Rabat and reiterates its support for the solution initiated by the United Nations.
For Morocco, the Korea-Africa 2024 summit represents a key opportunity to share its experience, explore new economic opportunities, strengthen its key role in Africa and affirm its reliability as a diplomatic and economic partner.
On the other hand, Korea seeks, through this meeting, to intensify its economic ties with Africa in general, in order to strengthen its position in a context of international competition. This strategy includes Morocco as a promising country in the world economy.
Korea places Morocco, in particular, at the centre of its plans to promote bilateral trade with a current volume of 620 million dollars, while negotiating a new agreement to stimulate trade by reducing tariffs.
The Korea Economic Development Cooperation Fund loan aimed at intensifying investment cooperation is an example that builds on the enhanced involvement of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOIKA).
Underlining its commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership, Korea confirms its African ambitions to intensify its economic ties with Africa and to achieve sustainable development and economic prosperity for Africa as a new strategic partner also immersed in an international competitive context.
