Seoul--(뉴스와이어)--President Roh Moo-hyun had a telephone conversation with President Hamid Karzai of Afghanistan from 4:15 to 4:25 this afternoon and asked the Afghan Government for active cooperation to help free the Korean hostages who were kidnapped in Afghanistan on July 19 (local time).

During his conversation, President Roh said the Koreans held hostage had visited Afghanistan for humanitarian volunteer work and that everything possible must be done so that they are not sacrificed. He then explained about the Korean Government’s determination to exert all possible efforts for the safe return home of the Korean citizens. President Roh emphasized that Afghan’s proactive cooperation is essential in order to bring the Korean Government’s endeavor to success. He asked President Karzai to take all available measures in this regard.

President Karzai expressed profound regrets over the kidnapping incident and explained the measures Afghanistan is taking to secure release of the Korean citizens. The Afghan President also promised that he will closely cooperate with the Korean Government’s special delegation due to arrive in his country tomorrow. For a quick and safe release of the Korean nationals, he promised to offer all available cooperation for the sake of Korea that has contributed all along to promoting stability and reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, President Roh offered tribute to President Karzai who has been striving to restore stability and achieve development in his country. The Korean head of state wished his Afghan counterpart a great success in his leadership. He reaffirmed Korea’s intention of continuously helping Afghanistan to restore stability and achieve reconstruction.

웹사이트: http://www.president.go.kr