Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba meet at presidential office

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Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba meet at presidential office

Published: 20 Jul. 2022, 16:09

President Yoon Suk-yeol and President Ali Bongo Ondimba shake hands during a photo session at the presidential office in Yongsan, central Seoul, on Wednesday. [PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE]

President Yoon Suk-yeol and Gabonese President Ali Bongo Ondimba held a summit meeting at the presidential office in Yongsan, central Seoul, on Wednesday.

“President Bongo’s visit, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Korea and Gabon, is very special,” said Yoon during the meeting. “There are many areas for mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries. Especially in dealing with climate change, Gabon can be a great partner as it has been successful in preserving valuable rainforests.”

In response to Yoon’s comments, Bongo reciprocated, saying, “We value our relations with South Korea.”

Bongo particularly praised the fact that Yoon’s administration is actively promoting the Korea-Africa Special Summit that will be held in 2024.

“I hope to expand high-level exchanges between South Korea and Gabon,” Bongo said.

Yoon asked for the Gabonese government’s interest and cooperation to support Busan’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo, to which Bongo replied positively.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the geopolitical situation on the Korean peninsula and agreed that the international community should take a united response to the North Korean nuclear issue.

“Gabon sent a chartered plane to purchase Covid-19 diagnostic kits from Korea in May 2020 and brought Korean nationals home who were stranded during the pandemic,” said presidential spokesperson Kang In-sun. “It is a country with which we have a very special relationship.”

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]