South Korean Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lee Je-hyoung, has expressed his commitment to collaborating with former KOICA scholarship recipients. The ambassador made this pledge during the annual general assembly of the Association of Friends of KOICA (AMIKO) held in Kinshasa on October 23. The meeting was attended by Choi Yonjae, Country Director of KOICA. Ambassador Lee emphasized the importance of defining the principles of his mandate in DR Congo and outlined three key objectives to enhance bilateral partnership.
Ambassador Lee highlighted the crucial role played by KOICA scholarship recipients, who have been trained in South Korea, in promoting the country's development model in DR Congo. He described them as "convincing arguments" for the partnership, citing their success stories as evidence of the effectiveness of the Korean development model in the Congolese context. The ambassador's three main objectives include deepening development cooperation, strengthening economic partnerships, and promoting cultural exchange between the two nations.
The first objective of Ambassador Lee's mandate is to deepen development cooperation in key areas such as public health, education, agriculture, and peacebuilding initiatives. His second objective is to build a stronger economic partnership in strategic sectors like energy, mining, infrastructure, and trade. To achieve this, he plans to encourage direct collaboration between Korean and Congolese businesses. The third objective aims to promote cultural exchange and provide opportunities for Congolese youth to study and train in South Korea.
During the ceremony, KOICA emphasized the importance of promoting integrity and combating corruption. The agency presented its Guide to Combating Corruption and Promoting Integrity, which outlines definitions and types of corruption, anti-corruption efforts, and the positive impacts of these measures. KOICA also shared the results of its satisfaction survey among partners, aiming to identify areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with 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. As part of the cultural exchange initiative, participants were introduced to the Korean alphabet, Hangul, and were able to write their names in a few minutes. This exercise symbolized the strong bond between DR Congo and South Korea.
Ambassador Lee reiterated his commitment to supporting former KOICA scholarship recipients and expressed his wish for AMIKO to continue growing and serving as a vital bridge between Kinshasa and Seoul. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two nations and encouraged AMIKO members to play an active role in promoting bilateral relations.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between South Korea and DR Congo. The two nations aim to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including development, economy, and culture. KOICA's efforts to promote integrity and combat corruption are expected to contribute to the success of this partnership. As Ambassador Lee begins his tenure, he is expected to play a crucial role in deepening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Key points
- - Strengthening development cooperation in key areas such as public health, education, and agriculture. - Building a stronger economic partnership in strategic sectors like energy, mining, and infrastructure. - Promoting cultural exchange and providing opportunities for Congolese youth to study and train in South Korea.
