Ethiopia–South Korea Set to Deepen Ties as President Taye Bids Farewell to Ambassador Kang

Addis Ababa, August 26, 2026 (ENA) —President Taye Atske Selassie bid farewell to outgoing South Korean Ambassador Jung Kang, as the two sides reviewed the longstanding Ethiopia–South Korea partnership and prospects for further strengthening bilateral ties.

During the meeting at the National Palace, President Taye and Ambassador Kang reviewed the progress of Ethiopia–South Korea relations and exchanged views on expanding cooperation in various spheres.

The President reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Seoul in trade, investment, technology, education and development.

Speak to ENA, Ambassador Kang said Ethiopia and South Korea have built a strong and enduring partnership rooted in Ethiopia's historic participation in the Korean War.

 

"We have historically important relations based on Ethiopia's participation in the Korean War. Ever since that, we have developed great bilateral relations," he said.

The ambassador noted that the relationship has evolved beyond its historical foundation to include high-level political engagement, economic cooperation and growing people-to-people exchanges.

The ambassador noted that the relationship has since grown well beyond its historic foundations, evolving into a broader partnership encompassing political engagement, economic cooperation, development assistance and people-to-people exchanges.

Despite the progress, Ambassador Kang said there is considerable room to take bilateral ties to a higher level.

Particularly, he stressed the need for strengthening cooperation in trade and investment spheres.

“We need to increase trade volume, we need more investment by Korean companies here in Ethiopia, and we also need to expand people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

He expressed confidence that his successor would build on the achievements made during his tenure and further advance cooperation between the two countries.

 

On his part, President Taye commended Ambassador Kang for his contribution to strengthening Ethiopia–South Korea relations and expressed appreciation for his efforts to consolidate the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

The president also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s readiness to broaden cooperation with the Republic of Korea in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment, technology, education and development cooperation.

Ethiopia and South Korea have maintained diplomatic relations for more than six decades, with their partnership distinguished by Ethiopia’s historic support for South Korea during the Korean War through the Kagnew Battalion, it was leaned.

 

South Korea remains an important development partner for Ethiopia, while Korean companies continue to see opportunities in the country’s growing economy, report shows.