Kim Min-seok: 'Financial fluctuations and rising oil prices are emerging impacts... Each ministry should prepare countermeasures for all scenarios'
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok urged government ministries to proactively prepare countermeasures for various scenarios in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok held a meeting on the Middle East situation, emphasizing the need for government ministries to prepare for all possible scenarios due to deteriorating regional stability. He raised concerns about rising oil prices and financial market volatility stemming from potential military conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran, which could directly affect the safety of South Korean nationals abroad.
During the meeting, Kim highlighted the urgency in preparing for immediate responses to ensure the safety of South Korean citizens stranded due to canceled flights and to facilitate their return if necessary. He also called for heightened safety measures for South Korean shipping vessels potentially affected by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and urged the monitoring of market fluctuations to prepare financial policy measures that would mitigate any adverse impacts on the nation's economy.
Kim reassured the public of the government's commitment to maintaining safety and economic stability amidst the ongoing crisis. He requested that ministries collaborate to not only address immediate concerns but also consider long-term responses in light of evolving circumstances in the Middle East, ensuring that the South Korean government is ready to act decisively in all scenarios that might arise.