The focus of the new ambassador of South Korea to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu, will be on expanding business opportunities between the two countries. Speaking in Abuja on the direction of his stewardship in Nigeria, Pankyu stressed the need to have a secured Gulf of Guinea for trade to thrive between the rest of the world and Africa, especially Nigeria.
His words: “I will do my best to further expand economic exchanges between Korea and Nigeria. Promoting economic partnership has always been the focus since the establishment of the diplomatic relations between our two countries 44 years ago.
“Nigeria is already Korea’s top five trade partners in Africa. I believe we can do more. Since the current Nigerian government is actively carrying out economic reform to improve the business environment in Nigeria, I will introduce this change to Korean companies and encourage them to venture into Nigeria and make investments.”
The envoy added that he would also explore ways to deepen security cooperation drawing from his expertise in military and security affairs. He said: “In particular, I would like to focus on promoting cooperation on maritime security because securing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is essential, not only for coastal countries including Nigeria but also for countries passing through this region including Korea. In addition, I intend to expand Korea’s support for capacity building of the Nigerian military and security officers.”
Pankyu hinted that he would facilitate people-to-people exchange between the two countries, saying: “I believe culture has the power to connect people and improve understanding of each other. The Korean Culture Center in Abuja has played an important role in introducing Korean culture in Nigeria so far. I will do my best to provide Nigerians with more opportunities to experience various Korean cultural content. I will also explore ways to let more Nigerian students study in Korea.”
At the forthcoming Korea-Africa summit slated for June 4 to 5, 2024, in Seoul, the ambassador said the occasion will be a momentous occasion for the relations between Korea and Africa, and also Korea and Nigeria.
He explained: “The inaugural Korea-Africa Summit is expected to be the largest international gathering under the current administration. This reflects President Yoon Suk-yeol’s commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial, sustainable, and strategic long-term partnership with Africa, aligning with Korea’s vision of becoming a Global Pivotal State.”
