Oumar Demba Ba, diplomatic adviser to the president of Senegal, will pay a four-day visit to Korea from November 14 to 17 as a guest of the Korea Foundation.

Adviser Oumar Demba Ba has a Master’s degree in International Law from Dakar University.  He is also a diplomatic expert who formerly worked as the Chief of the UN division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal, and served in the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Senegal to the UN. He is an important diplomatic figure in Senegal who has worked as the diplomatic adviser for the President of Senegal for 12 years (since 2000), playing an important role in the decision-making process.

Oumar Demba Ba expressed his interest in Korea′s development based on President Wade′s visit to Korea in 2009. His visit will offer an opportunity to share Korea′s development experience and boost cooperation between the two countries.

During his stay in Korea, he will meet diplomatic adviser Lee Hyuk of the Blue House, vice-minister Park Suk-hwan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Dean Choi Yeon-hee of the Korea-Senegal Congressmen Friendship Association to discuss Korea-Senegal security issues and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries. Also he will meet Lee Jae-chang, chairman of the Saemaul Undong Center, Park Dae-won, chairman of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Dr. Kim Byung-ki of Korea University and Choi Dal-suck, secretary-general of the Korea-Africa Association to discuss ways to enhance exchanges between Korea and Senegal.

Senegal is one of the fastest developing countries in West Africa, leading the region′s politics, economy, diplomacy and culture. Senegal also has major influence over the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Current president Abdoulaye Wade, one of the most educated leaders of the Africa region, is known for his efforts to enhance the nation′s economy and international relations with the outside world.