Kang Kyung-wha: "(Regarding troop dispatch) Our position does not necessarily align with the US"

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attended the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th and gave a briefing on current issues. Minister Kang reported on the situation regarding Iran. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporters Park Cheol-eung and Jeon Jin-young] On the morning of the 9th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha stated at the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary session in the National Assembly regarding the dispatch of troops to the Strait of Hormuz, "Our position cannot necessarily be the same as that of the United States."

In response to a question from Park Joo-sun, a member of the Bareunmirae Party, she said, "In terms of analyzing the situation and considering relations with countries in the Middle East, our positions cannot necessarily be the same," adding, "We have also maintained long-standing economic relations with Iran."

Regarding the decision on troop dispatch, she said it is under review. Minister Kang stated, "We are coordinating a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo. It seems it will happen soon. Once the meeting takes place, discussions will follow."

She continued, "There have been continuous requests for participation related to the Hormuz operation, and we are prioritizing the safety of our citizens and vessel navigation while continuously considering various options."

On plans for the evacuation of Korean residents, she said, "We are fully prepared. We communicate frequently with local diplomatic missions, and I held a video conference with the local ambassador yesterday," adding, "Our residents were confirmed safe as of yesterday afternoon. There are about 1,600 Koreans in Iraq, mostly construction workers. We conduct frequent inspections at each site and review response plans for any possible emergencies."

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