Sweet diplomacy: South Korean President gifts Mahama Ghana chocolate and Samsung phone

In a gesture blending symbolism, personal history, and technological prowess, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has welcomed Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to Seoul with a carefully curated set of gifts that highlight the strong ties between the two nations.

President Mahama arrived in South Korea on Tuesday for a five-day official visit, which will culminate in summit talks with President Lee on Wednesday. Ahead of their formal meeting, Lee extended a warm welcome by sending gifts to Mahama’s hotel, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

The presents include a specially designed box of Ghana chocolate, produced by South Korean confectionery giant Lotte, and the latest flagship device from tech titan Samsung Electronics, the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

The choice of the chocolate is particularly poignant. The packaging was customized for the occasion, featuring President Mahama’s name alongside the national flags of both South Korea and Ghana. However, the gesture carries a deeper, personal significance for President Lee. According to his office, the chocolate holds special meaning as it is the same type of confection he received from a child during a public hunger strike in September 2023.

Furthermore, the gift underscores a unique economic synergy between the two countries: the chocolate is made with over 80% Ghanaian cacao, transforming a South Korean sweet into a symbol of bilateral partnership.

President Lee’s office stated that the presentation of the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which was released just last month, is intended to showcase South Korea’s advanced technology and industrial competitiveness on a global stage.

In addition to these modern tokens, Lee prepared a traditional gift: a folk painting depicting naval training during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The artwork was chosen deliberately to symbolize South Korea’s dedication to strengthening maritime security cooperation with Ghana, a key area of discussion expected during the visit.

President Mahama’s visit is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and maritime security.

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