Republic of Korea to South Africa
29 May 2006
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea (ROK), H
E Mr BAN Ki-moon will be paying an official visit to the Republic of South
Africa from 28 to 29 May 2006. Minister BAN Ki-moon is the first Korean Foreign
Minister to visit South Africa. The visit of Minister BAN Ki-moon to South
Africa is part of a three nation visit to Africa, which includes South Africa,
Tanzania and Rwanda.
Minister BANâs visit comes in the context of the Republic of Koreaâs
intention to strengthen relations and co-operation with African countries
through the framework of the New Asian-African Strategic Partnership (WAASP)
acceded to by Asian and African Heads of State and Government at the
Asia-Africa Summit in Indonesia, April 2005.
The New Strategic Partnership mandated Asian and Heads of State and
Government to work to consolidate economic relations between both regions that
would reflect the strong political ties between the continents that have been
developed over many years.
While visiting South Africa, Minister BAN Ki-moon is expected to have talks
with the Minister of Trade and Industry to discuss issues of mutual interest.
The Minister will also meet the Commissioner of the Public Service Commission.
Amongst other issues, the discussions will include UN reform and the successor
of its current Secretary-General, bilateral relations, political and
socio-economic developments in Africa (NEPAD). The ROKâs Government has
nominated Minister BAN Ki-moon as a possible candidate for the next
Secretary-General of the UN. In this connection, Minister BAN is expected to
seek South Africaâs support for his candidature.
Ennquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
29 May 2006
