SEOUL, April 23 (AJP) - South Korea's special envoy to Iran Chung Byung-ha has met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday.
According to the ministry, Chung, who was dispatched to the Middle Eastern country earlier this month, met Araghchi the previous day.
During the meeting, which came about two weeks into his stay there, Chung reportedly sought Iran's cooperation, as he continues efforts to ensure the safety of South Korean vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, Chung expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would bring a complete end to the conflict and restore peace and stability to the region.
Agreeing with that, Araghchi said Iran is also ready to actively cooperate with South Korea.
But he defended Iran's blockade of the strait as a response to what he called "brutal crimes" by the "aggressors," referring to the U.S. and Israel, saying that "their aggression is the root of insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz."
Chung has reportedly been in talks with energy and other officials in Tehran to address supply disruptions caused by the closure of the strait, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, about 26 South Korean vessels carrying 173 crew members remain stranded in or near the strategically vital waterway.
According to the ministry, Chung, who was dispatched to the Middle Eastern country earlier this month, met Araghchi the previous day.
During the meeting, which came about two weeks into his stay there, Chung reportedly sought Iran's cooperation, as he continues efforts to ensure the safety of South Korean vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East.
Stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties, Chung expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would bring a complete end to the conflict and restore peace and stability to the region.
Agreeing with that, Araghchi said Iran is also ready to actively cooperate with South Korea.
But he defended Iran's blockade of the strait as a response to what he called "brutal crimes" by the "aggressors," referring to the U.S. and Israel, saying that "their aggression is the root of insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz."
Chung has reportedly been in talks with energy and other officials in Tehran to address supply disruptions caused by the closure of the strait, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, about 26 South Korean vessels carrying 173 crew members remain stranded in or near the strategically vital waterway.
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