Ghanatodayonline.com News, Politics, Health, Education & More
The president of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, made a strong plea for greater cooperation and mutual development as the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit got underway today in Seoul, Korea.
Under the summit’s theme, “The Future We Make Together,” President Akufo-Addo presented a vision of shared progress, sustainability, and solidarity to a distinguished audience that included Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and other Heads of State and Government.
President Akufo-Addo stressed in his speech the long-standing partnership between Ghana and Korea, which was formed in 1977 nearly fifty years ago. He emphasized the political, cultural, and economic contacts that have benefited both countries when he said, “Korea has proven to be a reliable partner and dependable friend of Ghana.”
The head of Ghana commended the spirit of cooperation that has pervaded this relationship and expressed optimism for its sustained success. For the future of ties between Korea and Africa, President Akufo-Addo named three essential pillars: solidarity, shared growth, and sustainability. He emphasized the value of economic cooperation, citing Africa’s youthful population and wealth of natural resources as important advantages.
“By fostering trade, investment, and innovation, we can create a relationship of synergy that benefits both regions,” he said. He pointed to significant progress in economic cooperation, with increased trade volumes and successful joint ventures in manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology.
However, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged that more work is needed to remove barriers to trade, enhance infrastructure, and promote knowledge exchange to unlock the full potential of this partnership.
Addressing the global climate crisis, President Akufo-Addo called for sustainable practices to protect the environment and promote renewable energy. He praised Korea’s leadership in green technology and sustainable development, urging Africa to leverage these innovations.
“This is not merely an environmental imperative; it is an economic opportunity that can drive long-term growth and stability,” he asserted. The President emphasized the need for global solidarity, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global challenges. He highlighted the importance of supporting one another to ensure collective resilience.
President Akufo-Addo referenced Korea’s recent trilateral meeting with Japan and China, noting its significance for Africa. Strengthened relations among these economic powerhouses, he said, should lead to increased investment, new markets for African products, and technology transfer.
Additionally, President Akufo-Addo emphasized how innovation and technology can propel sustainable development. To fully capitalize on the advantages of the fourth industrial revolution, he advocated for cooperation in research and development, the advancement of digital literacy, and the encouragement of entrepreneurship.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by expressing optimism for the future of relations between Korea and Africa.
“The future we make together should be one of shared growth, sustainability, and solidarity,” he said. He pleaded with both areas to take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen their partnership and create a more promising and successful future.
Over the next few days, the Korea-Africa Summit will continue with a number of sessions geared toward fortifying relations and investigating fresh opportunities for collaboration. To further their common objectives, leaders and delegates from both areas are anticipated to have important conversations.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
