The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the Iranian ambassador to Korea today (19th) and repeatedly explained the government's position on President Yoon Seok-yeol's remarks that "Iran is the enemy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)."
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lim Su-seok said at a regular briefing that First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong summoned Iranian Ambassador to Korea Saeed Badamchi Shavestari on the same day.
Spokesman Lim said that Vice Minister Cho once again explained the position that President Yoon's remarks were "a word of encouragement to our soldiers who are on duty in the UAE, and have nothing to do with Iran's international relations, such as Korea-Iran relations."
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▲ Cho Hyeon-dong, 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, answers questions from lawmakers
Regarding the issue of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) raised by the Iranian side when they summoned the Korean ambassador to Iran in Tehran the previous day, Vice Minister Cho said, "It is a completely groundless issue." We are fulfilling our obligations, and there is no change in our will to fulfill these obligations.”
Spokesperson Lim said, "Our President's remarks were made with the intention of strengthening the effectiveness of extended deterrence in order to respond to North Korea's escalating nuclear and missile threats." pointed out," he said.
"The Korean government's will to develop relations with Iran remains unchanged," he added.
Reza Najafi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Justice and International Organizations, summoned Yoon Kang-hyun, Ambassador to Iran the day before, to protest against President Yoon's remarks.
Deputy Minister Najafi also demanded clarification on the fact that the Korean president recently discussed the possibility of manufacturing nuclear weapons, which is against the NPT.
As the repercussions of President Yoon's remarks lead to the invitation of mutual ambassadors between Korea and Iran, concerns are raised that it may spread to diplomatic issues.
(Photo = Yonhap News)