The Iranian Ambassador to South Korea, Saeed Kouzechi, visited the National Assembly on Wednesday to assure that Tehran will prioritize the safety and evacuation of South Korean nationals remaining in Iran amidst the escalating regional conflict.
Following a closed-door meeting with Kim Seok-ki, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, and key lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, Ambassador Kouzechi emphasized Iran's hospitable stance toward Korean residents.
"We consider the South Korean citizens in Iran as our guests," the Ambassador reportedly stated. "Should they wish to leave, we will cooperate to ensure they are moved to safe locations with the highest priority."
According to South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 40 Korean nationals still reside in Iran, mostly for business reasons, following the recent departure of 30 others due to the ongoing friction between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
During the hour-long session, Chairman Kim Seok-ki expressed gratitude for Iran's cooperation but also voiced serious concerns regarding the broader safety of Korean assets and citizens in the region.
"With 26 of our vessels currently navigating the Strait of Hormuz and over 13,000 South Koreans residing in the Gulf region, we ask for your special attention to their security," Kim requested. He and other lawmakers further urged Iran to exert diplomatic efforts to prevent a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a move that would deal a critical blow to the Korean economy—and to work toward a swift end to the war.
In response, Ambassador Kouzechi expressed his hope for peace, stating, "I hope the international community, including South Korea, will work together so that peace may return to the Middle East."
Notably, when questioned by reporters about whether the meeting touched upon President Trump’s recent demands for troop deployments to the Strait of Hormuz, Chairman Kim clarified that "no specific discussions" took place on that matter.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
