Togolese Foreign Minister Visits Kukkiwon to Strengthen Taekwondo Cooperation with South Korea

Robert Dussey, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Togolese Republic, visited Kukkiwon on May 29, 2026, where he met with Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-seok and discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Togo and South Korea through Taekwondo.

The meeting formed part of Dussey’s official agenda in Seoul ahead of the 2026 Korea-Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for June 1.

His visit placed Taekwondo within a broader diplomatic framework, highlighting the discipline’s potential as a tool for cultural exchange and international cooperation between South Korea and African nations.

A return to Kukkiwon

Dussey had previously visited Kukkiwon on March 23, 2023, an experience he described as meaningful and which motivated his decision to return to the institution.

“It is a deeply moving experience to return to Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, following my visit in 2023,” Dussey said.

“As interest in Taekwondo continues to grow in Togo, I hope that cultural exchanges between our two countries through Taekwondo will become even more active in the future.”

The minister’s remarks reflected Togo’s interest in using Taekwondo not only as a sporting discipline, but also as a platform for closer cultural and institutional ties with South Korea.

Kukkiwon pledges support for Africa

Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-seok welcomed the Togolese delegation and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting the promotion of Taekwondo across the African continent.

“I thank you for not forgetting Kukkiwon and for visiting us again despite your busy schedule ahead of an important diplomatic event,” Yun said.

“Kukkiwon will spare no effort in providing support to ensure that the values of Taekwondo are widely promoted in Africa, including Togo.”

Following the meeting, Dussey and his delegation attended a performance by the Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team at the Kukkiwon Central Training Center.

The visit reinforced Kukkiwon’s role in South Korea’s international cultural outreach and opened the possibility of deeper cooperation with Togo as interest in Taekwondo continues to expand across Africa.

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