South Korean Ambassador Lee Je-hyoung has expressed his commitment to strengthening cooperation with former recipients of scholarships from the Korean International Cooperation Agency (Koica). He made this pledge during a meeting with members of the Association of Friends of Koica (Amiko) in Kinshasa on October 20. The ambassador emphasized the importance of collaboration with these individuals, who have been trained in South Korea and are now playing a vital role in the development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ambassador Lee Je-hyoung outlined three key objectives for his tenure in the DRC, focusing on deepening development cooperation, enhancing economic partnerships, and promoting cultural exchange between the two nations. He highlighted the significance of cooperation in areas such as public health, education, agriculture, and peacebuilding. The ambassador also encouraged collaboration between South Korean and Congolese businesses in strategic sectors like energy, mining, infrastructure, and trade.
The ambassador praised the former Koica scholarship recipients for embodying the success of the South Korean development model in the DRC. He described them as "convincing arguments" for the partnership between the two countries, showcasing the positive impact of South Korean expertise on Congolese society. The ambassador expressed his desire to see the Amiko continue to grow and serve as a vital bridge between Kinshasa and Seoul.
During the meeting, Koica presented its Guide to Combating Corruption and Promoting Integrity, highlighting the importance of addressing corruption as a major obstacle to national development. The guide provides definitions and types of corruption, as well as the agency's efforts to promote proactive administration and integrity. Koica also shared the results of its satisfaction survey among partners, aiming to identify areas of improvement for its services.
The event also featured a presentation by Kalonji Mardoché from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who shared his experience participating in a capacity-building program for African diplomats in South Korea. The program took place from September 26 to October 3, and Mardoché's presentation demonstrated the value of cultural exchange and cooperation between the two nations.
As part of the cultural exchange initiative, participants were introduced to the Korean alphabet, Hangul, which was created in the 15th century by King Sejong to make reading and writing accessible to all. The ambassador and participants were able to write their names in Hangul within minutes, symbolizing the strong bond between the DRC and South Korea.
Ambassador Lee Je-hyoung reiterated his commitment to supporting the Amiko and its members, expressing his hope that the organization will continue to thrive and play a vital role in promoting cooperation between the DRC and South Korea. The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of partnership and cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on promoting development, economic growth, and cultural exchange.
Key points
- Strengthening development cooperation in areas such as public health, education, and agriculture.
- Enhancing economic partnerships in strategic sectors like energy, mining, and infrastructure.
- Promoting cultural exchange and education opportunities between the DRC and South Korea.
