1. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha had a meeting and a luncheon with Foreign Minister of the State of Libya Mohamed Taha Siala on the morning of March 18, and exchanged views on ways to advance the Republic of Korea-Libya relations; the abduction of a Korean national in Libya; Korean companies’ return to Libya; ways to strengthen substantive cooperation; and regional situations.

2. Minister Kang took note that the recent situation in Libya is stabilizing thanks to the Libyan Government of National Accord’s continued efforts, and expressed hope that the Libyan government and people’s desire for national unity and prosperity would be fulfilled soon.

3. Regarding the abduction of a Korean in Libya, Minister Kang said that the ROK government was placing the highest priority on protecting the lives and safety of Korean nationals, and asked the Libyan government to do its best so that the Korean abductee can return home safely as soon as possible.

o Minister Siala said that as resolving the abduction case was also important for Libya, his country would make further efforts and continue to closely work together to solve the case as early as possible.

4. In addition, Minister Siala voiced hope that his country would continue to cooperate actively with the ROK, as Korean companies in Libya contributed significantly to the country’s economy in the past. He asked for Korean electricity companies’ return to his country, saying that it was essential to stabilize the livelihoods of the people in Libya.

o Minister Kang looked forward to further cooperation between the two countries in reconstruction projects, including infrastructure, and asked the Libyan side to exert more efforts to create an environment conducive to Korean companies’ return, including stabilizing the situation in Libya, and taking sufficient measures to ensure the safety of Korean companies.

5. Regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Minister Kang explained the latest developments, and asked the Libyan government to support the ROK government’s efforts to achieve denuclearization and to establish a lasting peace regime.

o Minister Siala spoke highly of the creation of the peace paradigm on the Korean Peninsula last year, and reaffirmed Libya’s continued support for advances in inter-Korean relations.

* unofficial translation