Ruto arrives in Seoul, South Korea ahead of Korea-Africa Summit
President William Ruto has arrived in Seoul ahead of the Korea-Africa Summit set to begin on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
In a statement on Monday, June 3, 2024, the State House said President Ruto was received upon his arrival by Ambassador Kang Seok-hee, former Korean Ambassador to Seychelles and currently the State Representative for Reconstruction Efforts in Ukraine.
Kenyan Ambassador to South Korea, Emmy Kipsoi, was also present to welcome him. 
According to State House, the summit aims to strengthen the relationship between South Korea and Africa, focusing on leveraging each other's strengths to foster mutual growth, tackle global challenges, and reinforce solidarity for peace and security.
"President @WilliamsRuto has arrived in Seoul, South Korea, for the Korea-Africa Summit, which will kick off on Tuesday. The summit aims to build strong relations between South Korea and Africa, leveraging each other's strengths to foster mutual growth, tackle global challenges, and reinforce solidarity for peace and security," the statement read.
During his visit, President Ruto is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. These discussions will focus on escalating areas of cooperation between the two nations.
President @WilliamsRuto has arrived in Seoul, South Korea, for the Korea-Africa Summit, which will kick off on Tuesday.
The summit aims to build strong relations between South Korea and Africa, leveraging each other's strengths to foster mutual growth, tackle global challenges,… pic.twitter.com/YAf4dGBwPp— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) June 3, 2024
Ruto, Korea trip
On Sunday, June 2, 2024, while in Bungoma, President William Ruto announced his trip to South Korea, aimed at establishing partnerships to boost youth employment.
President Ruto revealed that Korea pledged Ksh40 billion for the creative economy and Ksh25 billion for dam construction projects nationwide.
"I am heading to South Korea today for three things. I was in Korea last year and we agreed with the president that we should amalgamate our university in Athi River with their university. They have also given us Ksh40 billion for our youths in the creative economy. That is the money I'm going for," Ruto said.
Ruto mentioned that up to 10,000 Kenyan youths are expected to find jobs in South Korea following an agreement between the two countries. This trip comes a week after his return from a state visit to the United States.
During his visit, President Ruto will hold bilateral discussions with President Yoon Suk Yeol to assess the progress of the Ksh132 billion Framework Arrangement partnership established during his previous visit in November 2022.
"This partnership focuses on key projects including water and irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, and the creative economy. Agreements worth Ksh40 billion will be concluded to create opportunities in Kenya's creative economy sector, and Ksh25 billion for water and irrigation projects," Mohamed said.
Furthermore, several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) will be signed to enhance cooperation in health, agriculture, and ICT. Kenya and South Korea will explore technological opportunities, including the development of Kenya's semiconductor industry. Additionally, Kenya will join the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to advance its vaccine manufacturing goals.
The visit is also expected to finalize a Labor Migration Program, potentially positioning Kenya as one of the few African countries approved to supply labor under South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) Program.
"The trip will also set the stage for Kenya and South Korea to initiate negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the two countries," Mohamed added.
