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South Korea Sends Envoys to Secure Supply Chains Amid Mideast Crisis

South Korea is dispatching diplomatic envoys to nations like Algeria, Libya, and the Republic of the Congo to establish alternative supply chains. This urgent move comes as the war between the United States and Iran has choked the vital Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global maritime traffic. President Lee Jae Myung has called for the warring parties to take courageous steps toward peace while urging domestic structural reforms. The government is coordinating with industry stakeholders to secure new supply sources as a key national project.

Key Points: S. Korea Dispatches Envoys for Supply Chains Amid Mideast War

  • Envoys sent to Algeria & Libya
  • Seeking alternative supply routes
  • US-Iran war disrupts Strait of Hormuz
  • President calls for peace & industrial reform
2 min read

South Korea dispatched envoys to secure alternative supply chains amid Mideast crisis: FM

South Korea sends envoys to Algeria, Libya, and Congo to secure alternative supply routes as the US-Iran war disrupts Middle East shipping lanes.

"The ministry will actively pursue the dispatch of presidential envoys... to contribute to the government's efforts to secure alternative sources of supply. - Foreign Minister Cho Hyun"

Seoul, April 14

South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun said on Tuesday that the foreign ministry has dispatched envoys to Algeria and Libya and is seeking to send additional envoys to secure alternative supply routes amid the Middle East crisis.

Cho made the remarks during a Cabinet meeting after President Lee Jae Myung called on the government to explore supply chain alternatives as the United States' war against Iran has choked off the crucial Strait of Hormuz and disrupted maritime traffic in the Middle East.

Cho said the ministry has sent director-general-level officials to Algeria and Libya and is seeking to dispatch a special envoy of the foreign minister to the Republic of the Congo.

"The ministry will actively pursue the dispatch of presidential envoys after consulting with relevant ministries, the Korea Petroleum Association and other stakeholders to contribute to the government's efforts to secure alternative sources of supply," Cho said.

Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik has also been dispatched to the Middle East as a special envoy, Yonhap news agency reported.

Cho said that Chung Byung-ha, the special envoy to Iran, has been in contact with senior Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss regional developments, the safety of South Korean nationals, vessels and crew and passage of ships.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged nations involved in the war in the Middle East to take a courageous step toward peace, with a fragile ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran hanging in the balance and threatening the global economy.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee asked "the warring parties to take a courageous step toward peace that the world desperately wants based on the principles of the protection of universal human rights and lessons from history."

With the war in the Middle East entering its seventh week, Lee also called on the government to explore alternative supply chains and pursue structural reforms to address vulnerabilities exposed by uncertainties stemming from the ongoing war.

"I want initiatives, such as exploring alternative supply chains, pursuing mid- to long-term industrial restructuring and realising a plastic-free economy, to be promoted as key national projects," Lee said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The focus on a "plastic-free economy" in the same breath as supply chain crisis is interesting. It shows long-term thinking. We in India need to push harder on such sustainable industrial restructuring too, not just crisis management.
A
Aman W
Algeria, Libya, Congo... they are looking at Africa. Makes sense. Africa is the future for resources and trade routes. Hope our Indian diplomacy is also this proactive in securing our energy and trade interests globally. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
While securing supply routes is crucial, the President's call for a "courageous step toward peace" is what truly resonates. Endless conflict in the Middle East hurts the global economy and ordinary people the most. Diplomacy should always be the first priority.
V
Vikram M
Sending envoys is good, but action is better. Hope they have concrete deals in mind. We've seen too many high-level visits that yield nothing. The Strait of Hormuz situation shows why we need strong navies and independent foreign policies.
K
Kavya N
The safety of their nationals is mentioned, which is important. Many Indians also work in the Middle East. Our government must also have robust evacuation and safety plans ready. Global instability demands local preparedness.

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