South Korea identifying country-specific post-war reconstruction needs in Middle East: FM
Seoul, June 22
The Seoul government has established a task force to identify country-specific cooperation needs across the Middle East to support South Korean companies' participation in post-conflict reconstruction efforts, Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Monday.
"To facilitate South Korean companies' participation in reconstruction efforts in the Middle East and to develop broader economic cooperation with the region, the ministry established a dedicated task force and has actively identified country-specific cooperation needs through overseas missions," Cho said at a press briefing.
"Our responses to the crisis have reinforced the perception among Middle Eastern countries that South Korea is a reliable partner that stands by them in difficult times," he added.
Last week, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending their monthslong war that would extend the countries' ceasefire for 60 days, during which negotiations will take place to address nuclear and other issues to reach a final peace deal.
Cho pledged to work with the US and the broader international community to ensure the agreement serves not only as a short-term deescalation measure but as a foundation for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Regarding South Korean-linked vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, Cho said the government maintains close monitoring of relevant conditions and the safety of Korean ships and crew members, Yonhap news agency reported.
"We will continue cooperating with relevant countries to ensure the swift restoration of free and safe passage for all vessels, including ours," Cho said. "We are coordinating with Tehran for a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the near future."
Two South Korean-operated vessels exited the Strait of Hormuz Monday, becoming the first South Korean-linked ships to transit the waterway since last week's US-Iran agreement to reopen the strategic shipping lane, according to the oceans ministry.
Their departure reduced the number of South Korean-related ships remaining in the area to 22.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see South Korea positioning itself as a reliable partner in the Middle East. The US-Iran MOU is a big step, but the real challenge will be the nuclear negotiations in the next 60 days. Let's hope the ceasefire holds.
South Korea is smart to set up a task force now. But I worry about the safety of those 22 ships still stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Hope the Iranian Foreign Minister call goes well and they can secure safe passage for all. 🙏
Respectfully, I think South Korea is overestimating the stability of the region. The US-Iran agreement might be fragile, and committing resources for reconstruction could backfire if conflict reignites. But I admire their long-term vision.
As an Indian, I find this inspiring. South Korea shows how smaller nations can punch above their weight in global diplomacy. India should strengthen its ties with both South Korea and Middle Eastern nations to create a win-win for all. Jai Hind!
The mention of Korean ships being freed is a relief, but 22 still stuck is concerning. The international community needs to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. It's a critical waterway for global energy security, and India also depends on it.
M Michael C