Angola’s Foreign Minister Téte António met former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki‑moon in Seoul on Monday to discuss Africa’s major security and development challenges, including ongoing conflicts across the continent and the evolving situation in the Middle East.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Korea-Africa foreign ministers gathering where African and South Korean officials are seeking to deepen political dialogue and expand cooperation.
According to Angola’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, António and Ban exchanged views on peacebuilding efforts, strategic partnerships between Africa and Asia and opportunities to strengthen cultural and educational ties.
António underscored the need for sustained investment in specialised training and education, describing them as essential pillars for long‑term development and the preparation of future generations.
He also highlighted Ban’s global diplomatic experience and the value it could bring in elevating African priorities in international forums.
António invited the former UN chief to Luanda to participate in the Luanda Biennial – Pan‑African Forum for the Culture of Peace and briefed him on Angola’s mediation initiatives in regional conflicts. Angolan President João Lourenço is the African Union’s Champion for Peace and Reconciliation.
Both men reaffirmed the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing global crises.
The Korea-Africa ministerial meeting, which opened on Monday, is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Seoul and African nations in areas such as trade, investment, technology and sustainable development.
JN/APA