President Lee Jae-myung, who is visiting Canada for the G7 Leaders Summit, held a summit with Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, on the afternoon of the 16th (local time).
President Lee evaluated that South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and the gateway for Korea's entry into Africa, and urged the government to show interest and support for our corporations active in various sectors such as energy and manufacturing within South Africa.
President Ramaphosa assessed that Korean corporations have significantly contributed to job creation and industrial development in South Africa, expressing hope that investment and entry by Korean corporations will expand further.
President Lee noted that South Africa, a participant in the Korean War, and Korea have strengthened cooperation in various fields since establishing diplomatic relations in 1992 and emphasized the need for close cooperation to continue enhancing practical collaboration between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, and energy.
President Ramaphosa congratulated Korea on the inauguration of its new government and responded that the two countries share a precious partnership in democracy. He further suggested that the cooperation in various fields, including politics and economy, be strengthened.
Moreover, the two presidents exchanged views on regional situations such as the Korean Peninsula and Africa, and agreed to cooperate to promote international peace.
President Ramaphosa expressed hope to meet President Lee at the G20 Leaders Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Johannesburg, South Africa, in November of this year.