Seoul sends envoys to welcome new Iraqi gov’t

Korea will send a special envoy to Iraq next week as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations under a new administration in the Middle Eastern country, the foreign ministry said Thursday.

Han Byung-do, President Moon Jae-in’s special adviser for Iraq, will lead a government delegation during its three-day visit, which begins Monday.

It includes officials from the foreign, finance and construction ministries, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and representatives from Korean firms with businesses there.

Han, former senior secretary for political affairs, was appointed to the post earlier this week.

In October, Iraq’s Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi formed a new government.

The delegation plans to pay a courtesy call to the prime minister and meet with other senior officials to deliver Seoul’s resolve to solidify friendly ties and economic partnerships, according to the ministry.

It will also hold a roundtable meeting with Korean company officials working in Iraq.

Iraq has been a key partner of South Korea in the construction and energy sector, as they commemorate the 30th anniversary of forging diplomatic relations this year.

Iraq is the third-largest crude oil exporter to Korea.

Yonhap