Published：Jun 2, 02:34Last updated：Jun 13, 03:00

South Korea Expands Strategic Partnerships in Europe and Africa

Jun. 2, 2026 02:34

A Korea-Africa Business Forum in Seoul brought together 300 representatives from 50 African countries to discuss economic cooperation. Keynote speakers included Hyundai Motor President Sung Kim and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene. The forum followed a ministerial meeting where South Korea and Africa agreed to strengthen supply chain and critical mineral cooperation.

Summarized

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Jun. 12, 2026 19:11

President Lee Jae Myung stated that South Korea and Italy are optimal partners for business cooperation during a business roundtable in Rome on June 12, 2026. He emphasized the potential for collaboration in semiconductors, AI, and other strategic areas. The two countries agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a special strategic partnership. Lee highlighted Italy's strengths in basic science and design, while South Korea excels in advanced manufacturing. Business leaders from 30 companies attended the event to explore economic cooperation.

Jun. 13, 2026 03:00

A senior South Korean official stated it is "too early" to confirm if President Lee Jae Myung will meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the G7 summit in France next week. Both leaders are expected to attend the event in Evian from June 14-16. The official noted that schedules remain fluid, and dialogue depends on opportunities. A potential meeting would address key bilateral issues, including security and trade agreements. Lee and Trump have previously held two summits in 2025.

South Korea has deepened its strategic engagements across Europe and Africa through high-level diplomacy and economic agreements. President Lee Jae Myung's 10-day European tour, culminating in the G7 summit, has yielded significant partnerships while parallel efforts strengthen ties with African nations through trade and infrastructure cooperation.

🌍 Korea-Europe Strategic Alliances

President Lee secured a special strategic partnership with Italy during his Rome visit, focusing on semiconductors, AI, defense, and aerospace. The agreement includes a business roundtable with 30 companies and Italy's highest state decoration for Lee. In Brussels, South Korea and Belgium expanded investments in batteries and materials, while Lee urged the EU for favorable steel tariff treatment during talks with Ursula von der Leyen. Yonhap News Agency+3

🤝 Africa Economic Outreach

South Korea and Morocco agreed to negotiate a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), targeting cooperation in lithium refining, shipbuilding, and defense. This follows earlier ministerial meetings where Seoul positioned Morocco as a gateway for African expansion. The Korea-Africa Business Forum previously gathered 300 representatives to discuss critical mineral supply chains and infrastructure projects. Yonhap News Agency+2

🏛️ Italy-Korea Advanced Tech Collaboration

Four new MOUs were signed between South Korea and Italy covering AI, quantum technology, and joint African projects in agriculture and digital education. A joint committee will oversee implementation, with potential projects in Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Cote d'Ivoire. The agreements build on upgraded bilateral relations and include SME cooperation frameworks. Yonhap News Agency+2

✈️ G7 Summit Preparations

As Lee progresses to France for the G7 summit, his itinerary has included condemnation of North Korea-Russia military cooperation with EU leaders. While a potential meeting with U.S. President Trump remains unconfirmed, the tour has already strengthened South Korea's position in global economic governance discussions through multiple European partnerships. Yonhap News Agency+2

Cho HyunHakan FidanWamkele MeneBart De WeverLee Jae Myung

topic.regionalNarratives

South Korea

Coverage centers on South Korea's European diplomatic tour, focusing on strategic partnerships and economic cooperation with Belgium, Italy, and the EU.

France

Reporting highlights preparations for potential South Korea-U.S. engagement at the upcoming G7 summit in France.

South Korea

Reporting emphasizes South Korea's diplomatic engagements and economic partnerships with multiple regions, including Africa, Europe, and Turkey.

France

Coverage focuses on South Korea's hosting of African foreign ministers as part of broader diplomatic outreach.

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South Korea39

France1

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Yonhap News Agency38

Hankyoreh1

Radio France Internationale1

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