Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has pledged to overhaul South Korea's diplomatic missions abroad to enhance their operational efficiency, aiming to broaden and diversify the nation's foreign policy in response to a changing international environment. Cho made these commitments in a New Year message addressed to officials of the foreign ministry, emphasizing the need to streamline less effective missions while strengthening those in strategically important regions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho's remarks come after reports surfaced that the ministry had abandoned plans to establish new embassies in several countries. This decision followed President Lee Jae Myung's questioning of the necessity for such expansion, a reversal of the former initiative supported by the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

Cho urged overseas missions to improve collaboration with South Korean public entities operating internationally to ensure that these partnerships yield benefits for Korean citizens and companies abroad. He stated, "We will introduce measures to systematically manage performance and service, such as by reinforcing the authority of heads of overseas missions to better oversee locally operating public institutions and selecting officials capable of overseas assignments."

Furthermore, Cho committed to leading the ministry towards more summit-level diplomacy and expanding the "economic horizons" of South Korea's foreign policy. He highlighted the importance of exploring new economic opportunities, stating, "It has become more important than ever to explore and further expand new economic horizons. We will strive to promote diplomacy that improves people's livelihoods and revitalizes businesses."

In his concluding remarks, Cho emphasized the need for increased engagement in summit-level diplomacy and proactive diplomatic activities in key regions to diversify South Korea's diplomatic reach.