South Korea to support Palestinian peace efforts

Abu Dhabi: South Korea will support the Palestinians in their quest for an independent state and to live in peace, a top official said.

"We hail the UAE in its efforts to offer support to Palestinians living in Gaza, and all peace lovers who stand with them during this difficult time," said Kim Hyong, Speaker of the Korean National Assembly.

The official was addressing a press conference on Wednesday at the Federal National Council.

He added: "The Korean National Assembly also voiced concern and called for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza."

The assembly is sending $300,000 (Dh1.1 million) in emergency aid for Palestinian refugees and another donation of $1 million.

Hyong is leading a high-level Korean delegation that visited a number of departments in Abu Dhabi and held talks with FNC officials for future protocol understanding and ties. "Despite the long distance between the UAE and South Korea there's a huge interest in a partnership between the two countries," he said.

He called for strengthening of the relationship through cooperation in the environment, nuclear power, aircraft and technology.

"Korea is willing to support UAE initiatives for a green and healthy environment," he said.

FNC Speaker Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair said the relationship between the two countries' parliaments and peoples is strong.

"Korea has its own success story as it has become one of the major economic countries in the world and the UAE is equally successful in establishing itself in less than 40 years," he said.