Meeting of Ambassadors from Six Countries Including Australia Starting on the 25th
Ambassador Lee Jong-seop Returns Home, Expected to Undergo Investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office
Lee Jong-seop, Ambassador to Australia, who was reported to the High-ranking Officials' Crime Investigation Division (PCC) over allegations of external pressure in the 'Marine Corps Corporal Chae's Death Incident,' is returning to Korea to attend the Defense Industry Cooperation Chiefs of Mission Meeting.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 20th that, jointly hosted with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the meeting will be held from the 25th, with ambassadors from six major defense cooperation partner countries?Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Qatar, Poland, and Australia?expected to attend.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "At this meeting, chiefs of mission stationed in major defense cooperation partner countries will discuss the local situation and defense market status with the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, as well as opportunity factors for our defense companies, export order conditions from a long-term perspective, and policy support measures."
It added, "They also plan to inspect major defense companies and the operational status of our weapon systems, and hold on-site discussions with related companies."
Earlier, Han Dong-hoon, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, said at an on-site election countermeasure meeting held in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, "Hwang Sang-moo, Senior Secretary for Civil Society at the Presidential Office, resigned today, and Ambassador Lee Jong-seop to Australia will soon return. We will respond earnestly to public sentiment with about 20 days left before the general election."
Ambassador Lee was appointed to Australia while under investigation by the PCC for allegations of external pressure in the investigation of Corporal Chae's death, causing controversy over fleeing abroad.
The ruling party views that support in the Seoul metropolitan area has sharply declined due to the Ambassador Lee case and others ahead of the general election. It is expected that Ambassador Lee will return to Korea through this defense cooperation chiefs of mission meeting and undergo investigation by the PCC.
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