1. The first Policy Consultation between the Republic of Korea and Equatorial Guinea will take place in Seoul on January 30, with Director-General for African and Middle Eastern Affairs Kwon Hee-seog of the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Secretary-General Carmelo Micha Nguema Misi of Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation leading their respective delegations.

2. In the meeting, Director-General Kwon and Secretary-General Nguema Misi will exchange views on a wide range of matters of mutual concern, including such bilateral issues as ways to boost high-level exchanges and economic cooperation; ways to work together on the international stage; development cooperation; and regional situations.

◦ The ROK side will bring attention of the active expansion of Korean companies’ presence, such as in the new airport construction project, in Equatorial Guinea. As the two countries have mutually complementary industrial structures with great potential for economic cooperation, the ROK side will ask the government of Equatorial Guinea to take interest and cooperate in seeking out and implementing further projects.

◦ In particular, the two sides will consult on ways to make it easier for Korean businesses to obtain visa to Equatorial Guinea. In addition, the ROK side will ask for Equatorial Guinea’s cooperation toward an early conclusion of a bilateral visa exemption agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, which is being pursued.

3. In addition, the ROK side will explain the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and ask for the Equatorial Guinea government’s support for and cooperation on the ROK government’s trustpolitik and unification policy. The two sides will also discuss ways to work together to establish peace and stability in Africa.

4. The forthcoming Policy Consultation carries great significance as the first such meeting since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979. It is expected to help set up a regular dialogue channel between the ROK and Equatorial Guinea. 


               Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation