Park to visit Iran in May

By Kang Seung-woo

President Park Geun-hye will visit Iran next month, Cheong Wa Dae announced Monday.

This will make her the first South Korean president to visit the Middle Eastern country.

“President Park will make a state visit to Iran from May 1 to 3 at the invitation of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani,” the presidential office said in a statement.

“During this visit, President Park will hold a summit with President Rouhani and discuss ways to improve bilateral relations.”

Park’s trip will mark the first visit to Iran by the nation’s head of state in 54 years of bilateral diplomatic relations. The visit follows the Jan. 16 lifting of international sanctions on the country.

According to the government, Korea has sought a state visit to Iran since last year.

In June, Cho Tae-yong, then first vice foreign minister, flew to Iran, and in November Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se also visited ― the first such visit in 14 years for the nation’s top diplomat ― to meet with the Iranian president.

Park’s state visit comes while Asian countries are scrambling for closer ties with Iran as it emerges as a land of opportunity.

Iran holds the world’s fourth-largest oil reserves and second-largest natural gas reserves.

“The two nations plan to hold discussions on energy, mineral resources and construction plants as well as healthcare and the environment,” Park’s office said.

In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Iran ― the first international leader to visit the country after the trade restrictions were lifted ― and China and Iran reached 17 agreements for cooperation in areas including energy, trade and industry.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also plans to travel to Iran in August, according to Japanese media.

The government also plans to take advantage of Park’s visit as leverage in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.

North Korea and Iran have maintained close relations, especially in the development of nuclear materials.