Rising Tensions in the Middle East, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maintains 24-Hour Response System... 1st Vice Minister Leads 'Countermeasures Team' Launch

by Lim Chulyoung

Published 05 Jan.2020 15:50(KST)

Response Team Holds 1st Strategy Meeting on the 5th
Minister Kang Kyung-hwa: "Ensuring the Safety of Nationals and Businesses Staying in the Middle East"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to maintain a 24-hour situation response system to address the escalating crisis in the Middle East region and to launch a task force chaired by the First Vice Minister.

On the 5th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it held the first task force meeting under the chairmanship of First Vice Minister Cho Se-young, composed of senior officials from related offices and bureaus. Attendees included the Economic Diplomacy Coordinator, Director of the North America Bureau, Director of the Middle East and Africa Bureau, and the Overseas Safety Management Planning Officer.

The task force evaluated the regional situation during the meeting, reviewed the status of protective measures for overseas nationals, and discussed future plans. The results of the discussion were reported to Minister Kang Kyung-wha.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Minister Kang strongly urged thorough efforts to enhance the safety of nationals and companies staying in the Middle East region," adding, "In this regard, the Ministry will maintain a 24-hour emergency response system between headquarters and diplomatic missions centered on the Overseas Safety Protection Center until the situation stabilizes, and will actively respond to emergencies through the task force established on the 5th."

Going forward, since securing the safety of overseas nationals is the top priority, the Ministry plans to maintain close communication with major countries such as the United States.

Additionally, on the morning of the 6th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a working-level meeting with related ministries to analyze the impact of the deteriorating Middle East situation on oil prices and the protection of overseas nationals and companies, and to discuss and devise comprehensive countermeasures.