Seoul takes Georgia detention closely, says FM Cho

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun meets foreign correspondents in Seoul. YonhapSEOUL, September 19 (AJP) - Seoul is taking the weeklong detention of Korean workers in Georgia closely as a matter of human rights, and is working with Washington to devise a safe, lasting visa arrangement to ensure smooth business travel and exchanges, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Friday.

"Protecting our nationals and investigating any infringement of their rights is our duty," Cho told foreign correspondents in Seoul during a press briefing.

Earlier this month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out a mass raid at a Hyundai Motor–LG Energy Solution battery plant in Georgia, leading to the arrest of 475 people, most of them Korean. More than 300 were released and returned home after a week in detention, with many complaining of unfair treatment.

Cho, who traveled to the United States to secure the release and departure of Korean citizens, said he reached an agreement with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to establish a working group to explore long-term solutions. Options include creating a new visa category, negotiating a bilateral visa agreement, or setting up a special visa desk at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul to assist business travelers.

While stressing that visa issues are not a formal precondition for Korean investment in the United States, Cho said they are "an extremely important matter" that should be resolved before major projects move forward.

Still, he downplayed the risk of diplomatic fallout. "I'm not concerned about re-rise of anti-Americanism sentiment," he said.

At Friday’s briefing at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Cho also reviewed the new administration’s early diplomatic initiatives, pointing to closer cooperation with the U.S., restored shuttle diplomacy with Japan, deepening ties with China and continued dialogue with Russia. 
Cheon Soram 편집국장 cheons@ajunews.com