Seoul: The Seoul government has launched a task force to assess the specific cooperation requirements of Middle Eastern countries to aid South Korean companies' involvement in post-conflict reconstruction efforts, as announced by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Foreign Minister Cho stated that the task force aims to facilitate South Korean companies' participation in reconstruction efforts and enhance broader economic cooperation with the Middle East. The task force actively identifies country-specific cooperation needs through overseas missions, underscoring South Korea's commitment to being a reliable partner in challenging times for Middle Eastern nations.
Last week, a significant development occurred as the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end their prolonged conflict, extending the ceasefire for 60 days. During this period, negotiations are set to address nuclear and other issues to achieve a final peace agreement. Minister Cho expressed South Korea's commitment to collaborate with the U.S. and the international community to ensure the MOU acts as a stepping stone for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Addressing concerns about South Korean-linked vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, Cho assured that the government is closely monitoring conditions and prioritizing the safety of Korean ships and crew members. Efforts are being made to restore free and safe passage for all vessels, and coordination is underway with Tehran for a phone call between Cho and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
In a positive development, two South Korean-operated vessels successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first transit of South Korean-linked ships since the U.S.-Iran agreement to reopen the strategic shipping lane. This movement reduced the number of South Korean-related ships remaining in the area to 22, as reported by the oceans ministry.