South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has described Africa as an "important partner" for Seoul, citing the need to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern energy supplies disrupted by the ongoing US-Iran conflict and instability around the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking ahead of the Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting (a multilateral summit bringing together representatives from all 54 African countries and regional bodies including the African Union), Cho highlighted complementary strengths — South Korea's advanced battery and electric vehicle industries alongside Africa's vast reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, manganese and platinum-group metals. Seoul also announced plans to provide around $800 million in official development assistance to Africa this year, targeting technology, healthcare, and climate adaptation.