Seoul – Eswatini was represented at the 2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on 1 June 2026, with Minister of Economic Planning and Development Dr Thambo Gina attending on behalf of Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Pholile Shakantu.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Republic of Korea and Ghana, and brought together African Union member states alongside key continental institutions including the African Union, the African Development Bank, the AfCFTA Secretariat and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
Delegates reviewed progress made since the first Korea-Africa Summit in 2024 and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between Korea and Africa. Korea announced that the next Korea-Africa Summit will be held in 2029. 
Discussions covered two broad themes: strengthening economic cooperation and promoting sustainable growth, as well as improving joint responses to global challenges. Areas covered included trade and investment, infrastructure development, digital innovation, food security, critical minerals, climate action, health, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges. Ministers adopted a Joint Statement outlining priority areas for enhanced Korea-Africa cooperation.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Gina met with Judge Jin Hyun Paik, Korea’s candidate for election to the International Court of Justice for the 2027 to 2036 term.
