Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Monday called on the government to take preemptive steps to be prepared against "every possible scenario" as the conflict widened in the Middle East following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend. Kim presided over the second meeting of relevant Cabinet ministers in Seoul on Monday, amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim emphasized the unpredictable nature of the situation in the Middle East, expressing hope for a swift resolution while acknowledging the difficulty in predicting the conflict's duration. He noted the materialization of concerns such as financial market volatility and rising oil prices, urging the government to be ready for immediate response if the situation becomes prolonged or unforeseen events occur. Kim stressed the importance of reviewing mid-term plans alongside short-term responses.
The Prime Minister also voiced concern for the safety of South Korean nationals stranded in the region due to flight disruptions, calling for comprehensive plans to ensure their safety if necessary. Additionally, Kim instructed the finance ministry to prepare measures to support businesses affected by the Middle East crisis. He highlighted the need for enhanced monitoring of foreign exchange and financial markets, emphasizing the importance of informing companies about available government assistance and the process for communicating their needs.
Kim urged relevant ministries to maintain composure to reassure the public. He stressed the importance of accurate, timely information for effective government response, calling for real-time sharing of relevant information among ministries to ensure a coordinated response.