By Kim Ji-eun

Foreign Minister Park Jin hosted a "Korea Night" reception event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the evening of his trip to Africa on Aug. 8.

The "Korea Night" event was attended by more than 200 people, including Ethiopian Public Service Chairman (Korea-Ethiopia Friendship Association), Ethics and Anti-Corruption Chairman, Health Minister, House International Relations Chairman, African Union (AU) Education, Science and Technology Innovation Commissioner.

In a welcoming speech, Minister Park said, "As a global hub contributing to freedom, peace, and prosperity around the world, South Korea is ready to actively contribute to peace and security related to Africa." Related to this, the Yoon Suk-yeol administration will hold the first Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul next year.

In addition, Minister Park Jin explained the Korean government's efforts to host the 2030 Busan World Expo, emphasizing that the fair will deepen cooperation between Korea and Africa by seeking common solutions to human challenges such as climate change, pandemic, and digital gap.

At the reception, Minister Park explained the results of the Korea-Ethiopia foreign ministers' meeting, promoted the 2030 Busan World Expo, and expressed the Korean government's willingness to strengthen cooperation with African countries through the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit.

Meanwhile, at the reception, dynamic performances by dance groups Ambiguous Dance Company and Living Crew, which combine Korean traditions and modern senses, added joy to the event, and a Korean food corner and exhibition promotion booth (photo zone) were set up to raise participants' interest in Korean culture and the 2030 Busan World Expo.

The reception, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the center of African diplomacy, is believed to have served as an opportunity to enhance the overall interest and understanding of Korea by expressing the Korean government's willingness to strengthen diplomacy with Africa and setting the stage for promoting Korean culture.