On the afternoon of September 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held his first phone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, during which they exchanged views on bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East, as part of an introductory call following Cho's inauguration.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Sa'ar congratulated Minister Cho on his appointment and expressed his desire to maintain close communication to further deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Cho noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, the two countries have continued to develop a friendly and cooperative relationship, including the signing of the Korea-Israel Free Trade Agreement. He suggested expanding cooperation in advanced industrial technology and other fields.
Additionally, Minister Cho reiterated the Korean government's position of condemning attacks by Hamas and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. He expressed concern over the severe humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and urged all parties to make efforts to improve the situation on the ground, including achieving a prompt ceasefire. He also voiced deep concern over actions such as settlement construction that undermine the two-state solution.
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