Cape Town: Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun has engaged in discussions with senior government officials from Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to enhance cooperation in the critical minerals sector, as announced by Seoul’s foreign ministry. The dialogue occurred on Wednesday during a major mining event in Cape Town, South Africa. Kang’s visit was part of the inaugural partnership dialogue aimed at strengthening critical minerals cooperation between South Korea and African nations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang held separate meetings with Steven Kiruswa, Tanzania’s deputy minister for mining; Phumzile Mgcina, South Africa’s deputy minister for mineral and petroleum resources; and Winston Chitando, Zimbabwe’s minister for mining development. During these talks, Kang proposed sustained mutual efforts to expand partnerships, building on agreements from the first South Korea-Africa summit in Seoul last year.

Kang specifically requested Tanzania’s support for a graphite mining project, which is part of the Minerals Security Partnership. This multilateral forum focuses on securing critical mineral supply chains, with participation from South Korea and 13 other countries, including the United States, Britain, and Japan.

In discussions with South Africa, Kang expressed optimism about strengthening economic ties in various areas, particularly critical minerals. He noted that South Africa is South Korea’s largest trading partner in the region, signaling potential for further collaboration.

With Zimbabwe, Kang explored potential cooperation opportunities, recognizing the country’s resource-rich status, as highlighted by the Seoul ministry.