South Korea and African Nations Discuss Mutual Economic Cooperation in Multiple Sectors

South Korea asked Libya to support the expansion of South Korean companies in the North African country, particularly in the oil and refining sectors, Yonhap reported Tuesday. First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo made the request during a Monday meeting with Fatalla Elzuni, Libya's minister of state for African affairs.

Elzuni was in Seoul to attend the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Elzuni noted that Libya's security, economic and political situation has been stabilizing in recent years. He expressed hope that more South Korean companies would expand into Libya's construction and infrastructure sectors. Park told Elzuni that the South Korean Embassy in Libya will soon fully reopen.

The embassy has operated on a rotational basis between Libya and Tunisia since March 2022. Park Yoon-joo shook hands with Elzuni in Seoul on June 1, 2026, according to a ministry photo. Separately, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina met with Chad's Deputy Foreign Minister Fatime Aldjineh Garfa on Monday.

Kim called for expanding bilateral cooperation in development assistance in education and health. The two countries mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. Garfa voiced hope for stronger ties in climate change, education and infrastructure, as well as increased high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Eui-hye held talks Monday with Zimbabwean Deputy Foreign Minister Sheillah Chikomo. Chikomo expressed hope for broader economic cooperation with South Korea, as well as closer collaboration in agriculture, digital technology and information and communications technology.

Zimbabwe ranks first in Africa and sixth globally in lithium production, the ministry said.