By KUNA
Tokyo : South Korea’s President-elect Lee Myung-bak promised Thursday to seek closer diplomatic ties with Middle Eastern nations through frequent summits with their leaders, Seoul’s Yonhap News Agency reported.
Lee made the remarks while meeting with ambassadors from 13 Arab countries in his office, the news ageny said, citing his aide.
“Although South Korea and Arab countries are closely related in the economic sector, the diplomatic ties have not been as strong,” Lee was quoted as saying. “I will promote frequent meetings with leaders of Arab countries to strengthen diplomatic ties with the Middle East under the incoming administration.” Lee will be inaugurated on Feb. 25.
“The stable supply of energy resources from Arab countries has contributed a great deal to South Korea’s economic growth,” Lee added. “My government will strive to expand such cooperative ties to IT, tourism, culture and other sectors.” Lee requested leaders of Arab countries to pay active attention to the scheduled establishment of the Middle East Arab Society, a nonprofit foundation targeting energy cooperation between Korea and 18 Arab countries.
Lee also asked the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which will soon choose its next-generation trainer aircraft, to convey his request that the UAE purchase South Korea’s first military jet, the T-50.
South Korea and Italy are competing for a KRW 3-billion (USD 3.2 million) deal to supply the UAE with about 40 to 60 trainer jets, the report said.