S.Korean Pres. Elect Says Iran An Important Economic Partner

Seoul, Jan 19, IRNA – South Korean President Elect Ms. Park Geun-Hye in a meeting here Friday with Iran's ambassador to her country referred Iran as an important partner. 'Expansion of relations with Tehran is of great importance for Seoul,' she added. Iran's Envoy to S. Korea Ahmad Masoumifar who was granted a meeting by that country's President Elect, congratulated Geun-Hye for her victory in the election on behalf of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Masoumifar said in the meeting that both Iran and Korea have throughout the past half decade always enjoyed friendly and constructive relations. He referred to the two nations' amicable inclinations, adding that the 'Nomination of a street in Tehran after the South Koran Capital, Seoul and a street in Seoul after the Iranian Capital city, Tehran during the tenure of Your Excellency's father is today the symbol of the two nations' friendship.' Masoumifar expressed hope that during the tenure of the new South Koran leader the Tehran-Seoul relations would be witness to blossoming in every possible field. Geun-Hye too, appreciating President Ahmadinejad's congratulation message, reiterated, 'Iran and South Korea celebrated the 50th anniversary of their establishment of bilateral relations.' She added, 'Keeping in mind the amicable inclinations of the two nations, I believe the two countries' comprehensive relations, particularly in cultural, academic and sports fields.' The President Elect added, 'The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of our important partners in the Middle East and we attach great importance to our relations with Tehran.' Geun-Hye managed to gain majority votes in the December, 2012 Presidential Elections of her country. She is scheduled to swear in as the South Korean President later this month and take the responsibility from President Lee Myung-Bak./end