S. Korea, Iraq agree to expand cooperation in FM talks
South Korea and Iraq had their first foreign ministerial talks in two years this week, reaffirming their commitment to close partnerships, Seoul‘s foreign ministry said Friday.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha met with her counterpart, Mohamed Ali Al Hakim, in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of a global forum Thursday (local time).
The Iraqi minister requested Seoul‘s continued support and cooperation in the reconstruction and stabilization of his nation.
Kang said South Korea will continue humanitarian assistance for Iraq and also expressed hope for close ties between the two sides under a new government in the Middle Eastern country.
For South Korea, Iraq has been a key partner in the construction and energy field since they forged diplomatic relations thirty years ago.
Kang asked Iraq to help South Korean firms seeking to participate in the nation‘s reconstruction work.
South Korea also plans to send a special envoy, Han Byung-do, to Iraq next week.
Iraq is the third-largest crude oil exporter to South Korea, with trade volume totaling US$78.3 billion in 2017.
