Addis Ababa, May 3, 2025 (FMC) — The economic prosperity and political freedom enjoyed by the Republic of Korea today are rooted in the sacrifices made by Ethiopian troops during the Korean War, Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Jung Kang, said on Friday.
Speaking at the 74th Korean War Veterans Memorial Day ceremony held at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Park in Addis Ababa, Ambassador Kang paid tribute to the Ethiopian soldiers who fought for Republ8c of Korea’s peace and freedom 74 years ago.
He emphasized Ethiopia’s pivotal role as one of the early contributors to peacekeeping operations, praising the courage, strength, and dedication of Ethiopian peacekeepers.
The ambassador noted that Ethiopia’s deployment of troops to the Korean War between 1950 and 1953 marked the beginning of the close, enduring ties between the two nations.
“Because of that participation in the Korean War, Ethiopia and Korea have become very, very special allies,” Ambassador Kang said. “We are enjoying a special friendship based on the legacy of the Kagnew Battalion.”
He highlighted that this historical bond has served as the foundation for flourishing bilateral relations. Ethiopia is now the largest recipient of Korean Official Development Assistance in Africa, with annual aid approaching one billion USD.
In addition to development aid, both countries are actively working to strengthen ties in the areas of politics, trade, and investment.
Ambassador Kang expressed optimism that the longstanding partnership will evolve into a more prosperous and sustainable relationship marked by deeper economic engagement.
Paying tribute to the Kagnew Battalion and the Ethiopian people, Ambassador Kang said, “The economic development and political freedom Korea enjoys today are built on the sacrifices of the Kagnew Battalion and the people of Ethiopia.”
He concluded by reaffirming Korea’s commitment to deepening what he called the “beautiful relations” between the two countries, striving toward a more peaceful and prosperous shared future.