Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun on Sept. 18 at his office in Seoul speaks on the phone to Palestinian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed support for a "two-state solution" in which Palestine and Israel coexist.

Minister Cho Hyun on Sept. 18 said this in his first phone talks with Palestinian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, the ministry said.

"The Korean government consistently supports the 'two-state solution,'" Minister Cho said. "We're concerned over any measure that hinders the solution such as construction of settlements."

The proposed measure would have Israel and Palestine recognize each other as independent countries. Most member states of the United Nations in principle back this approach toward peaceful coexistence between both sides.

"The latest intensification of the offensive in the Gaza Strip could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the region," Minister Cho added. "We hope for a quick ceasefire and improvement in the humanitarian situation there."

"The Korean government has provided humanitarian aid to civilians affected by the situation in the Gaza Strip," he said. "We will keep participating in the international community's efforts to resolve the conflict."

The Palestinian minister thanked Seoul for its aid and support.

dusrud21@korea.kr