By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

The University of Seoul hosted a welcoming ceremony at its headquarters on July 30 for Ambassador Andrew Bwezani Banda, the Zambian Ambassador to Korea.

The event was designed to explore educational and academic cooperation between the University of Seoul and the Republic of Zambia, and to discuss ways to expand the recruitment of Zambian students.

The event was attended by Ambassador Andrew Bwezani Banda, the First Secretary, and the Second Secretary. From the University of Seoul, Vice President for External Cooperation Park Hoon and Dean of the Office of International Affairs Pyo Min-chan, along with other officials from the Office of International Affairs, were also present.

The University of Seoul currently has exchange agreements with 651 universities in 78 countries. As of the first semester of 2025, the University of Seoul is hosting a total of 1,497 international students, including 654 international degree program students (251 undergraduates and 403 graduates).

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, with Lusaka as its capital. It is a multi-party, presidential republic with English as its official language.

Recently, the country has been pursuing educational reforms, including expanding digital education and strengthening agricultural technology. Since establishing diplomatic relations with Korea in 1990, Zambia has maintained cooperative relations in various sectors, including agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

Vice President Park stated in his welcoming address, "As a public university focused on urban science, sustainability, and global cooperation, the University of Seoul considers exchanges with Africa, particularly Zambia, to be very meaningful. I hope this visit will open a new chapter in academic cooperation and cultural understanding between our two countries."

Meanwhile, the University of Seoul plans to continue expanding its strategic partnerships with universities in Africa and strengthen its global educational network.