[Reporter : ] Thank you, Minister Karim Wade for this interview today.
I know that your President was here in Korea a few months ago in November.
[Interview : Karim Wade, Senior Minister
Republic of Senegal] As a senior minister of the government of the Republic of Senegal this is my second time in Korea back in November with his excellency and this week.
[Reporter : ] What are some areas you focused on during your visit[Interview : ] The main focus of the visit was to develop global cooperation between Korea and Senegal… mainly in the sectors of energy, infrastructure, transport, and social housing.
We reached agreement to develop 250 megawatts coal plant in Senegal.
And also reached an agreement with the Association of Korea Construction Company by which 30 Senegalese will come in July to be trained in bridge constructions, road constructions, and infrastructure constructions in Korea.
[Reporter : ] There is a growing interest in Korea about your country of Senegal, in fact the African continent, as a whole. How is Korea perceived in Senegal and how would you
like Senegal to be perceived in Koreans' minds[Interview : Karim Wade, Senior Minister
Republic of Senegal] Senegal has a very good perception of Korea because the growth of Korea, the change was done so quickly… that was really impressive.
Many Senegalese take Korea as an example of how to speed up the development and we are very interested to share the views of various actors of this global economic success.
[Reporter : ] So, what are some special features of Korea that draw you and your nation to Korea[Interview : ] The achievement of Korea in the energy sector is really impressive.
Today Africa has a huge need to build capacity to supply energy because energy is a requirement, a prerequisite to development.
In social housing, also, the way Korea has undertaken major real estate development within a short time frame is also very impressive.
We are looking to share the experience and get some Korean companies involved in the construction sector in Senegal.
We would like to see more Korean companies, more Korean investors to come and share the story of development of Senegal that we're building.
[Reporter : ] As for the bilateral relations between Korea and Senegal… of course…
economic exchanges and cooperation is very important but we can't leave out cultural
exchanges, including sports and entertainment.
[Interview : Karim Wade, Senior Minister
Republic of Senegal] During the last World Cup, Senegal beat France in Korea in Seoul.
I think we already have great cooperation in Sports.
Senegal is going to host the 'African Festival of Arts'.
We are very happy to see Koreans come and present Korean culture.
[Reporter : ] What is your impression of Korea[Interview : ] I'm very impressed by Korea.
I think this is the example that we have to follow.
It looks like there is no limit in this country and the only limit is the sky.
[Reporter : Moon Conn-young
jenmoon@arirang.co.kr] On a final note, do you have a message that you would like to convey to
the Korean, as well as, the international audience, of course.
[Interview : Karim Wade, Senior Minister
Republic of Senegal] Absolutely. Africa is changing. Africa is becoming a continent of opportunity.
We are convinced that Africa in the very near future can be the enzyme of future world growth.
[Reporter : ] Thank you very much for this interview. I wish you all the best and I wish you
a very safe flight back home.
[Interview : ] Thank you.
FEB 09, 2010
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Thursday, SEP 09, 2010, (KST) 
