“Based on the position that attacks on civilian vessels, including the Namu, cannot be justified or tolerated under any circumstances, we will continue consultations with relevant countries,” Cho said during a press briefing at the Foreign Ministry in central Seoul.
Cho said the government will carry out an additional investigation into the attack and “take necessary response measures accordingly.”
A senior Foreign Ministry official said debris from the incident, which had initially been kept at the South Korean Consulate General in Dubai, has been moved to the South Korean Embassy in Abu Dhabi and will be brought to Korea “as soon as possible.”
“Once the debris is brought in, I believe our Defense Ministry’s expert investigative agency will conduct a thorough examination and uncover various details,” the official said.
Regarding CCTV footage from the Namu that reportedly captured an aerial object, the official said the shipowner has so far declined to release the video, citing several reasons.
“I have not seen it yet either,” the official said. “There are differences in views at the moment, but we will try to persuade them so that the CCTV footage can be disclosed and examined as part of the investigation.”
Cho also said the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring the course of the Middle East war and possible changes in the international order after the conflict ends, while preparing for any impact on South Korean nationals and national interests.
“We will make swift and multifaceted efforts to turn various crises into opportunities,” Cho said.
He added that the ministry is maintaining close cooperation and communication with major countries to ensure the free passage of vessels and the safety of South Korean seafarers, while upholding the principles of international maritime law and freedom of navigation.
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