Prime Minister Jeong: "Frozen Iranian Funds Must Be Returned Quickly"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is holding a meeting with accompanying reporters at his accommodation in Tehran, Iran, on the 12th (local time).

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on the 12th (local time) regarding the frozen Iranian funds in South Korea, "It would be better to return them quickly."

While visiting Iran, Prime Minister Chung met with the press at his accommodation and said, "I have previously stated that 'this money belongs to Iran and should be returned to its owner.'" He added, "I believe that is also appropriate for our national interest," emphasizing, "Due to various restrictions, it has not been properly implemented yet, so efforts are needed going forward."

After holding talks with First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri the previous day, Prime Minister Chung promised support for the restoration of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA - Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) negotiations and stressed strengthening cooperation among related countries to resolve the frozen funds issue. He explained, "It is good to actively exchange opinions with nuclear deal countries such as the United States and Germany and present South Korea's position to contribute to the decisions of the international community."

Prime Minister Chung conveyed that Iranian leaders expressed some resentment toward South Korea regarding the frozen funds issue and urged for swift results. Following his meeting with Vice President Jahangiri the previous day, he met with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Parliament, and Ali Larijani, advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, on this day.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Chung said, "This will probably be my first and last (overseas trip)." When asked about his specific plans, he was reserved, stating, "Today is related to the Iran trip."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.