By Xu Aiying and Kim Hwaya

President Moon Jae-in has expressed thanks to French President Emmanuel Macron for France's rescue of a Korean hostage in Burkina Faso, as well as condolences over the loss of two French soldiers killed during the military operation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 12 that Korean Ambassador to France Choi Jong-moon went to Vélizy–Villacoublay Air Base near Paris to greet the Korean national and relayed President Moon's message to Macron. The French leader expressed his gratitude for the gesture and said he hopes both countries continuously cooperate on the global stage.

"The woman freed in Burkina Faso on May 11 safely arrived at the Villacoublay airport near Paris with two other French hostages," the ministry said, adding, "Her medical checkups showed that she was in good health. She will be discharged after undergoing psychological treatment and having her progress monitored."

"The woman talked to her family on the phone at the airport and will return home soon if she has no particular health problems."

The ministry, meanwhile, is considering raising the travel alert level in the region where the kidnapping occurred.

xuaiy@korea.kr