South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced that envoys have been sent to Algeria and Libya, with plans for more to secure alternative supply routes due to the Middle East crisis. This decision follows President Lee Jae Myung’s call for exploring new supply chain options as the US-Iran conflict has disrupted maritime traffic by blocking the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Cho revealed that the ministry has dispatched high-ranking officials to Algeria and Libya and is considering sending a special envoy to the Republic of the Congo. The aim is to collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Korea Petroleum Association, to diversify the country’s sources of supply.
In addition to these efforts, Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik has been designated as a special envoy to the Middle East. Cho highlighted that Special Envoy Chung Byung-ha is engaging with Iranian officials in Tehran to address regional issues, ensure the safety of South Korean assets, and facilitate the passage of ships.
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of peace in the Middle East, urging involved nations to take bold steps towards ending the conflict. With a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran threatening global stability, Lee stressed the need for peace based on human rights principles and historical lessons.
Lee also directed the government to explore alternative supply chains and implement structural reforms to mitigate vulnerabilities exposed by the ongoing war. He called for national initiatives such as seeking new supply routes, promoting industrial restructuring, and advancing towards a plastic-free economy to enhance resilience amid uncertainties.
