Nigeria seeks stronger Korea-Africa partnership on global challenges
Abuja, June 2026 ( TBL Africa) The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the Republic of Korea in strengthening Korea-Africa solidarity and addressing shared global challenges.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said this during a meeting with Mr Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, on the sidelines of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Seoul.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
The meeting with the theme, “Joint Responses to Global Challenges: Korea-Africa Solidarity,” brought together foreign ministers and senior officials.
According to the minister, solidarity for Nigeria goes beyond rhetoric and entails burden-sharing, co-investment in solutions and standing together during both favourable and difficult circumstances.
“For Nigeria, solidarity is not a slogan; it is burden-sharing, co-investment in solutions, standing together not only when it is convenient, but when it is difficult,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised that Nigeria was not seeking charity but a genuine partnership capable of delivering sustainable development, economic transformation and mutual benefits for both regions.
“Nigeria does not come to this table seeking charity. We come seeking partnership.
“Korea’s transformation from a war-torn nation to the world’s 10th largest economy in one generation is an inspiration to Africa.
“It proves that with vision, discipline, and the right partnerships, transformation is possible. Africa today is where Korea was 60 years ago-young, determined, and ready to leap.”
The minister described current global challenges as complex, interconnected and transnational, noting that no country, regardless of its influence or resources, could address them alone.
She said climate change, pandemics, food insecurity and conflicts had demonstrated the growing interdependence of nations and the need for stronger international cooperation.
“Climate change does not respect borders, pandemics do not require visas and food insecurity in the Sahel impacts grain prices in Seoul.
“Conflict in one region disrupts supply chains in another. This is the age of shared vulnerabilities, and therefore, it must also be the age of shared responsibility,” she added.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for Africa’s voice to be better represented in key global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, IMF and World Bank.
She commended Korea for its consistent support for Africa’s representation in global institutions and called for concrete action during upcoming negotiations on international governance reforms.
According to her, a more representative global system would be more legitimate, effective and capable of responding to the challenges confronting nations in the 21st century.
“Let this meeting be remembered as the moment where Korea and Africa chose to confront global challenges not in isolation, but in solidarity.
“Not in hierarchy, but in partnership. Not for headlines, but for humanity. Nigeria stands ready to walk this road with you. Let us go far, together,” she added.
