Deputy Speaker Tayebwa commends South Korea’s peacekeeping efforts in Africa

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, expressed his appreciation for the Republic of South Korea’s significant role in upholding peace and security in Africa, which he believes plays a vital role in the continent’s economic growth.

Tayebwa delivered these remarks during an event held in Kampala, organized by the Korean Ambassador to Uganda, Park Sung Soo. The occasion marked National Day and Armed Forces Day for the Korean community in Uganda and was attended by the Deputy Speaker and his wife, Anita Rukundo Tayebwa.

“As we commemorate this National Day and Armed Forces Day, I commend the Republic of Korea for its support in promoting peace in Africa, particularly through its involvement in peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). In South Sudan, the Korean Corps of Engineers has made significant contributions to infrastructure development in the Bor area of Jongeli Province, which will have a profound impact on South Sudan’s economy,” Tayebwa stated.

He explained that Uganda, known for being a beacon of peace and security in the Great Lakes region, values international support for regional mechanisms as essential tools for maintaining peace and security.

“In this context, Uganda welcomes the recent election of the Republic of Korea as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term. We anticipate closer collaboration during this period, particularly concerning African peace and security matters, including those in the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa,” he added.

Deputy Speaker Tayebwa also celebrated the productive diplomatic relations between Uganda and Korea, spanning over half a century, and highlighted the political, economic, and historical benefits stemming from mutual respect, democracy, and shared interests.

Looking ahead, Tayebwa mentioned the upcoming Second Political Consultative Meeting in June 2024 and the Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul as opportunities to strengthen diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations between the two nations.

“We welcome the upcoming Korea-Africa Summit scheduled for June 2024 as yet another opportunity to discuss vital issues pertaining to the continent and identify new avenues for technical and financial support crucial for Africa’s economic development, aligned with the AU Agenda 2063,” noted Tayebwa.

He also commended the Republic of Korea’s strategic partnership with Uganda in areas such as sustainable production, productivity enhancement, value addition, and human capital development, all aligned with Uganda’s National Development goals. Tayebwa specifically praised the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for its impactful work in Uganda.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted some notable outcomes of the bilateral partnerships, including the development of a fruit processing factory in Soroti Industrial Park, addressing value addition in the agriculture sector, and a $864 million partnership to support Elgon farmers in growing high-yield animal pastures.

Furthermore, Tayebwa invited Korean companies and individuals to explore investment opportunities in Uganda’s strategic sectors such as agriculture, agro-processing, oil and gas, minerals, ICT, human resource development, tourism, and infrastructure development.

In his remarks, Korean Ambassador to Uganda, Park Sung Soo, emphasized his country’s commitment to fostering economic cooperation with Uganda, which is now the 11th largest global economy and the 7th largest global importer.

Ambassador Soo encouraged the Ugandan government to create a more trade and investment-friendly business environment through legal and institutional improvements. He expressed optimism about fruitful discussions when President Yoon Suk Yeol hosts African heads of state at next year’s summit.

Park Sung Soo also provided insights into Korean National Day and Armed Forces Day, which coincides with Chuseok, a holiday marked by Koreans to celebrate their nation’s long history and the promise of material abundance and relaxation.

Reflecting on nearly six decades of diplomatic ties between Uganda and Korea, Ambassador Soo acknowledged the achievements in trade, investment, and development cooperation while recognizing the need for further collaboration and progress.