Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Urges Choi Jong-geon, Deputy Foreign Minister, to Resolve Frozen Funds Issue

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] On the 13th (local time), the Iranian government once again urged Choi Jong-geon, the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, to resolve the issue of frozen funds in South Korea.

According to the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, who met with Vice Minister Choi on the same day, emphasized, "The South Korean government must take practical measures as soon as possible to resolve the issue of frozen funds affecting bilateral relations."

He also reiterated the demand for a resolution to the frozen funds issue, stating that South Korean companies have suffered due to the U.S. economic sanctions against Iran. In response, Vice Minister Choi reportedly expressed hope that new conditions would be created to resolve the current issues.

Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-geon (left in the photo) and Arakchi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, in a meeting / Photo by Yonhap News

Vice Minister Choi visited Iran on the 11th along with Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun and held a meeting with Deputy Minister Araghchi on the same day. During a meeting with First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri on the 11th, Prime Minister Chung stated, "We are willing to provide support for constructive dialogue among the parties involved regarding the Iran nuclear deal."

Vice President Jahangiri requested a resolution to the frozen funds, saying to Prime Minister Chung, "Bilateral relations have stagnated as South Korea joined the U.S.'s illegal sanctions, which lack international legality."