In his opening speech at the 2024 Korea-Africa Summit, President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized that the event signifies a new chapter in the relationship between South Korea and the African continent. Addressing delegations from 48 African countries, he expressed his hope for a significant milestone in the partnership between the two regions and called for a joint effort to achieve a shared future. President Yoon also outlined plans to strengthen trade ties, enhance cooperation during global crises, and promote sustainability, emphasizing the need for South Korea to swiftly establish trade agreements with African countries. Furthermore, President Yoon highlighted South Korea's commitment to providing substantial development aid and export finance to African nations, as well as supporting initiatives to boost intra-continental trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area. He emphasized the importance of leveraging Africa's natural resources and youthful population alongside South Korea's technological expertise to overcome international challenges, particularly those related to climate change, pandemics, and food insecurity. Additionally, President Yoon underscored the joint efforts of South Korea and African countries to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula and ensure security, referencing South Korea's contributions to peacekeeping efforts in African nations and the enforcement of United Nations sanctions on North Korea. President Yoon co-chaired the summit with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, with both leaders scheduled to hold a joint press conference as part of the event. The summit brought together delegations from 48 African countries, including 25 heads of state, marking the largest multilateral gathering hosted by the Yoon administration.