Special Envoy Jeong Meets Iranian Foreign Minister... Requests Cooperation for Safety of Korean Nationals and Vessels (Comprehensive)

Special Envoy Jung Byungha of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and requested cooperation to ensure the safety of Korean nationals residing in Iran, as well as the safe passage of Korean vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Special Envoy Jung Byungha met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Iran, on the 22nd (local time). Social media of Foreign Minister Araghchi

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According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other sources on April 23, Special Envoy Jung met with Minister Araghchi in Tehran, Iran, on the 22nd (local time), and asked for continued attention to the safety of approximately 40 Korean nationals, 26 Korean vessels, and their crews currently in Iran.

He also requested Iran's special cooperation to ensure the swift and safe navigation of all vessels, including Korean ships.

Special Envoy Jung conveyed greetings from Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, referenced the two phone calls held between the foreign ministers of both countries, and mentioned Korea's recent humanitarian aid of 500,000 dollars through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), expressing hope for the continued development of Korea-Iran relations. He also expressed hope for the prompt restoration of peace and stability in the region through the resumption of negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Minister Araghchi stated, "We highly appreciate Minister Cho's decision to dispatch a special envoy and the uninterrupted efforts of the Korean embassy, even under difficult circumstances," and added, "We look forward to the stable and continued development of bilateral relations." He also said that he would continue to pay close attention to ensuring the safety of Korean nationals in Iran.

This meeting was arranged after Iran contacted the Korean side on the same day, and it took place at 6 p.m. local time. Since being urgently dispatched to Iran on April 10, Special Envoy Jung has met with the Iranian Vice Minister of Political Affairs, Vice Minister of Economic Affairs, and Director General of Consular Affairs to discuss current issues in Korea-Iran relations, the need to guarantee the safety of Korean nationals, and the importance of safeguarding all vessels and crews in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the schedule for Special Envoy Jung's return to Korea has not yet been determined.

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