The National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee met with the Iranian ambassador to Korea to discuss the safety of Koreans in the Gulf region and urged a guarantee of freedom of navigation for Korean vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee held a closed-door meeting with Saeed Koozechi, the Iranian ambassador to Korea, at the National Assembly on the morning of the 25th.
Kim Seok-ki of the People Power Party, who serves as chairperson of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, told reporters right after the meeting, "From our standpoint, the most important thing is the safety of the people," adding, "Currently, 26 of our vessels are being detained in the Strait of Hormuz, and it is understood that there are about 180 crew on board."
Kim went on to say, "There are also reports that our civilian facilities are suffering damage from attacks by Iran's neighboring countries," adding, "As about 13,000 of our nationals are staying in the Gulf region, we asked for special attention to their safety."
In response, the Iranian ambassador to Korea was said to have told Kim, "From the early days of the war, we have actively protected Koreans in Iran, and even now we consider Koreans to be guests," adding, "If desired, we will continue to help them move to safe areas."
Kim also said, "The issue of passing through the Strait of Hormuz is a matter of great international importance," adding, "As much energy moves through this strait, we hope freedom of navigation will be realized as soon as possible," a request he made to the Iranian ambassador to Korea. He added, "We asked that this position be conveyed to the home country as well, and also requested the active efforts of the Iranian ambassador to Korea."