An annual forum dedicated to strengthening South Korea’s cooperation with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean kicked off in Seoul on Monday for a two-day run.
The 2024 Korea-Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Future Cooperation Forum, co-hosted by Seoul’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, attracted over 200 attendees, including ministers, ambassadors, industry officials and experts from key countries in the region.
This year’s forum, the 17th of its kind, focuses on discussions for substantive cooperation in boosting the economy, directly related to improving people’s livelihoods and fostering shared growth.
Officials from Cuba, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Guatemala and other nations are participating in the sessions in person to exchange views on expanding cooperation.
Notably, it marked the first time a Cuban delegation has visited South Korea since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries earlier this year.
South Korea and Cuba announced the establishment of diplomatic ties in February, a significant development given Cuba’s longstanding “brotherly” relationship with North Korea.
“With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba in February, South Korea has now completed a diplomatic network with all 33 Latin American countries, making 2024 a new milestone in Korea-Latin America relations,” said Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul during his opening remarks.
Cho said that the two sides have evolved from a simple trade relationship involving raw materials and industrial goods to becoming cooperative partners in cutting-edge fields, such as the aerospace, hydrogen and defense industries. (https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240609004100315)
