1. A seminar marking the establishment of the National Assembly Forum for Africa's New Era, chaired by Representative Lee Joo-young, took place at the National Assembly on September 13 under the theme of “Rising Continent of Africa Calling Out.” The event was attended by some 200 figures from various sectors, including National Assembly Speaker Kang Chang-hee, Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and 30-odd foreign diplomats stationed in the Republic of Korea.
 
2. In his congratulatory remarks, Foreign Minister Yun elaborated on the Park Geun-hye government’s foreign policy placing high priority on Africa. He stressed that with conditions being created for upgrading ROK-Africa cooperative ties to a higher level, the time is ripe for the ROK to achieve a qualitative leap in its diplomacy with Africa.

3. Minister Yun also commented that the global view on Africa is in transition from “the continent in despair” to “the continent of hope.” He added that in line with this trend, the ROK government intends to forge a new, mutually-beneficial partnership with Africa by changing its perception of Africa: from “a resource-rich continent” to “a new market”; and from an aid recipient to a trading partner.

4. Minister Yun asked the National Assembly to extend support to the government on its diplomacy with Africa in order for the ROK to seek out opportunities in this young dynamic market. He also voiced his hope to set up a cooperative network among the National Assembly, the government and the private sector in this regard.

                    Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation