'Iran Detained Korean Seafarers' On-Site Support Team Direct Interview: "All Safe and Healthy" (Comprehensive)

"Multifaceted Efforts to Lift Detention... No Problematic Actions by Iran During Detention Process"
Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-geon to Visit Iran and Qatar from 10th to 14th... Comprehensive Talks on Key Korea-Iran Issues Planned

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs directly confirmed the safety of the crew members of a South Korean-flagged vessel detained in Bandar Abbas, a southern port city of Iran.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 7th, three staff members from the Korean Embassy in Iran, who were dispatched immediately after the Iranian government's ship detention incident, met with one Korean crew member of the 'Korea Chemiho' vessel the previous day. The ship carries about 20 people, including five Koreans as well as Indonesians, Myanmar nationals, and Vietnamese.

Choi Young-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that "The on-site support team from the Korean Embassy in Iran directly interviewed one of our crew members and through the interview confirmed that the other crew members are safe and healthy." He added, "The government plans to continue consular visits for the other crew members promptly through negotiations with Iranian authorities."

The Korean Embassy in Iran plans to continue providing consular assistance by conducting additional interviews with the detained crew members and facilitating communication with their families in Korea. They also intend to engage with Iranian business authorities and port agencies to expedite resolving the detention issue through consultations.

Spokesperson Choi stated, "We will make multifaceted efforts to secure the release of the Korea Chemiho detained by Iranian authorities," and added, "Regarding treatment issues that may have occurred during the detention process, the interviewed crew member specifically reported that there were no problematic behaviors, including violent or threatening attitudes."

Regarding criticism that the Korean government’s response was insufficient despite prior awareness of the detention risk, the spokesperson said that the area is always closely monitored, with regular notices and warnings issued.

Choi explained, "The area, including the relevant waters, is a very sensitive region with considerable volatility in terms of overseas safety. Our government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, constantly monitors the situation in the Middle East and the region. Since about 20 Korean-flagged vessels pass through daily, related government departments, diplomatic missions, and even private companies are all notified and urged to exercise caution."

Earlier that day, a government delegation tasked with negotiating the release of the detained Korean vessel and crew departed for Iran. The working-level delegation, led by Ko Kyung-seok, Director-General of the Africa and Middle East Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to arrive in Tehran at 11 a.m. local time (4:30 p.m. Korean time). The delegation plans to meet with counterparts from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the humanitarian trade working group. In particular, the delegation intends to request evidence and data related to the Iranian government's claim of "repeated maritime environmental regulation violations" by the detained vessel to verify the facts.

Additionally, First Vice Minister Choi Jong-geon will visit Iran and Qatar from the 10th to the 14th. On the 10th, he will meet with key Iranian officials to comprehensively discuss major bilateral issues. He will then visit Qatar to meet with high-level officials and exchange views on ways to enhance cooperation, including expanding Korean business ventures.

Spokesperson Choi said, "Vice Minister Choi is expected to reach comprehensive bilateral agreements on various issues, including financial matters, joint health concerns, and expanding mutual exchanges during his visit to Iran," and added, "Regarding the detention issue, both countries share a positive consensus to work toward an early and amicable resolution."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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