By Park Dong-Jae

THE first 'Korea-Africa Cooperation Week' is taking place in Korea this week (Oct.15-18) with the three major forums on Korea-Africa cooperation being held simultaneously for the first time.

These forums are 1) Korea-Africa Industry Cooperation Forum (KOAFIC) 2) Korea-Africa Forum for Economic Cooperation (KOAFEC) 3) Korea-Africa Forum, hosted by Korea's Ministry of Knowledge & Economy (every year), Ministry of Planning & Finance (bi-annually), Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (every 3 years) respectively. The theme is "sharing today, shinning tomorrow. 

The government of Korea, recognizing the growing potential of development of Africa and the world's keen interest to this region, has formed inter-government consultative body led by the Prime Minister's Office to actively address these developments through effective coordination and creative organization of the relevant Ministrial forums.

Thus, this week in Korea, Africa is very much highlighted and intensive discourses to seek cooperation in the sector of energy・Einfrastructure (KOAFIC), finance development (KOAFEC), diplomacy (Korea-Africa Forum) will take place. The Korea-Africa Forum will adopt the Seoul Declaration 2012 and reaction Plans 2013-2015 in the area of development cooperation, trade and investment, peace and security.  

Uganda is one of the only four countries of Africa that are designated as the 'primary ODA partnership country' by Korea. From Uganda, the Hon. Irene Muloni, Minister of energy and the Hon. Maria Kiwanuka, Minister of Finance are participating in this week's forums.

Uganda is taking part for the first time in KOAFIC, the forum for energy sector, attesting to the Uganda's newly emerged status as an energy resource rich nation.    

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kampala applauds Uganda's active participation in these forums and believes this will greatly enhance Korea's and Uganda's mutual interest in each other and the momentum for full-fledged cooperation for many years to come.

Year 2013 (March) is the 50th Anniversary of Korea-Uganda Diplomatic Relations and greater economic engagements between our two countries are expected to follow.

Writer is the Head of Mission, Chargé d'Affaires, Embassy of the Republic of Korea