1. The Korean government plans to dispatch Representative Kim Jang-soo to Jordan and Lebanon August 23-31 as special envoy of President Lee Myung-bak in a bid to promote friendly and cooperative relations with the Middle Eastern countries through brisk high-level exchanges.

2. In Jordan, special envoy Kim will deliver President Lee’s letter, where he will note with satisfaction steady advances in the friendly relationship between Korea and Jordan, including the establishment of the Jordanian embassy in Korea last year and the upcoming 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year. The two sides will discuss ways to work together in various sectors, including politics and economy.

* A research reactor is currently under construction as a major bilateral cooperation project.

3. During his visit to Lebanon, Representative Kim will deliver President Lee’s letter in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Korea-Lebanon diplomatic relations; discuss with the Lebanese side ways to bolster cooperation; and request the country’s interest in and support for Korea’s Dongmyeong Unit dispatched as part of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

* The 360-strong Dongmyeong Unit has been dispatched to the southern Lebanese region of Tyre since July 2007 under UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

* As the political stability in Lebanon is directly linked to the peace in the Middle East, the Korean government is closely watching the political situation in the country with great interest and sent the Dongmyeong Unit in this context.

4. The visit to Jordan and Lebanon by special envoy Kim is expected to contribute to further solidifying mutually beneficial partnerships between Korea and Jordan, and between Korea and Lebanon.

                 Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation