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Ruto heads to Seoul for South Korea-Africa Summit, eyes trade, technology deals

President William Ruto during a tour of Bungoma County on May 31, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Maureen Kinyanjui | Monday, June 3, 2024

At the inaugural summit, African and South Korean leaders will discuss areas of mutual interest, including trade promotion, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and job creation.

President William Ruto flew out on Sunday night to attend the inaugural South Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul, a week after jetting back from a four-day state visit to the USA.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed issued a statement saying that at the summit, which representatives from 48 African nations are expected to attend, discussions would centre on areas of mutual interest, including trade promotion, industrialisation, infrastructure development, and job creation.

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"The discussions will also cover agricultural productivity, climate change response, and transitioning to carbon-free energy," Hussein said.

He noted that the topics aligned with President Ruto's roles as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reforms and the chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change.

It is expected that Kenya and South Korea will sign several memoranda of understanding to deepen partnerships and collaboration in ICT, agriculture and health, among other sectors.

Also, Kenya will engage South Korea in exploring technology opportunities, including developing its semiconductor industry.

“Kenya will join the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to advance its vaccine manufacturing goals,” Hussein added.

Bilateral talks

Further, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, to review the progress of the Sh132 billion Framework Arrangement reached during his last visit in November 2022.

The partnership focuses on key projects including water and irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, and the creative economy.

Ruto’s trip to the US was highly criticised, with questions arising on just how much money he spent travelling on a private jet with a large group of people.

He has defended himself, insisting that taxpayers only footed a modest sum of Sh10 million for the jet hire, rather than the previously reported figures of Sh200 million.

At a church service at Amutala Stadium in Kimilili, Bungoma County, on Sunday, the head of state said his trip to South Korea was not for leisure and that he would follow up on and finalise previous agreements with President Yoon Suk Yeol.

“I promised to stay here up to Monday if you treated me well and I thank you so much, Bungoma people, for taking good care of me so far. However, this evening I will be leaving for Korea, not for recreation or fun activities, but for purposes of bringing development to you,” he said.