Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, Yu Myung-hwan met with Mr. Moctar Ouane, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Mali on 23 February, and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and signed the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement.

During the talk, Minister Ouane expressed his wish to increase cooperation with ROK particularly in the fields of agriculture, tourism and education and Minister Yu replied that, based on the excellent bilateral relations, both sides shall work together in that direction. Minister Ouane formally notified his support for Korean candidate for the UN WTO (World Tourism Organization) and ITLOS (International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea) elections. He also promised full support for the 2nd Korea-Africa Forum to be held in Seoul this December.

While exchanging opinions on the political situation of ROK and Africa and they also agreed that they will work toward further strengthening Korea-Africa cooperation.

Minister Yu commended Mali's establishment of one of the most successful democracies in Africa and its hosting of the Community of Democracies in 2007. Both Ministers also agreed to increase cooperation in development assistance.

Minister Ouane also met with Minister Yu In-chon, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism after that he made a visit to Korean industrial site during the remainder of his stay.