Busan Mayor-led delegation determined to secure local government support for World Expo 2030 bid & strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries

South Korean Presidential Special Envoy led by Busan Mayor, Park Heong-joon in conjunction with Samsung Africa - recently met with the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor - to request support for the 2030 World Expo bid as well as discuss ways to further strengthen existing strategic partnerships and bilateral relations between the two countries.

This meeting also provided an opportunity for the Busan Mayor as a special envoy of President Yoon Suk-yeol accompanied by representatives from Busan City, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 2030 Busan World Expo Bid Team, the Embassy and South Korean companies including Samsung Africa to deliver a letter from the South Korean President inviting the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Pandor to the 2024 Korea-Africa Special Summit. 

Hlubi Shivanda, Director: Business Operations and Innovation and Corporate Affairs at Samsung South Africa said: “As Samsung, we believe that the Busan World Expo 2030 would be the perfect platform for South Korea to share its technological advancements and how it views technology as the main catalyst for an eco-friendly and green future in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. World Expos focus on creating a better future for all humankind - this is in line with our vision of Enabling People for the upliftment of humanity through innovation, industrialisation and digitalisation.”

South Africa is -- South Korea's largest trading partner in Africa, while -- South Korea is South Africa's fourth largest trading partner in Asia with more than 30 South Korean companies, including Samsung present in South Africa. 

During the meeting, the parties deliberated on various areas of potential co-operation, including power, energy mix, nuclear energy, and human resource development. It was then agreed that the two countries would pursue practical co-operation projects through follow-up consultations between the Embassy of - South Korea in South Africa and the Embassy of South Africa in Seoul, as well as relevant ministries, agencies and companies. This strategic meeting was also an opportunity to reflect on the historical relationship between South Korea and South Africa and the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations which was officially celebrated last year. 

“As Samsung, we believe that as part of a global community - these kinds of collaborations align perfectly with our dedication to remain an active contributor to the future of the South African economy and a strong supporter of economic transformation,” Shivanda added.