South Africa–South Korea relations
South Africa-South Korea relations refers to the diplomatic relationship between South Africa and South Korea. Their bilateral interactions focus largely on economic ties and promoting cross-cultural exchanges. Formal diplomatic relations began on December 1, 1992.,[1] The two governments signed accords regulating taxes, aviation, and investment.[2]. High-level visits followed. In July 1995, South African President Nelson Mandela visited Seoul to meet with South Korean president Kim Young-sam.[1]. To institutionalize these visits, in 1997 the two nations agreed to hold regular Policy Consultative Meetings[3], where working groups focused on particular subjects of the relationship convene to negotiate shared rules and regulations. [1] In 2005, Seoul hosted the Korea–South Africa Joint Committee on Science and Technology to promote cross-border scientific collaboration.[4]
Economic Relations
South Africa is South Korea’s largest African trading partner, and South Korea is South Africa’s fourth largest Asian trading partner.[1] South Africa largely exports unprocessed minerals, like ferro-chromium or platinum; semi-processed inputs like steel; and foodstuffs like sugar.[1] Two growing areas of modern exchange include green energy, where South Korean and South African firms exchange solar energy and rare earth elements,[5] and bilateral investment.
References
- ^ a b c d e "South African Embassy, Seoul".
- ^ Keynote Address by H.E. Chull-joo Park, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to South Africa
- ^ "South African Embassy, Seoul".
- ^ Shelton, Garth (2009). KOREA & SOUTH AFRICA: Building a strategic partnership (Technical report). p. 36–40. JSTOR resrep07762.17. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
- ^ Opening remarks at the seminar commemorating the 30th anniversary of the relations between South Korea and South Africa