Seoul: South Korea has initiated diplomatic efforts to explore alternative supply chains in Africa as tensions in the Middle East disrupt crucial maritime routes. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced on Tuesday that envoys have been dispatched to Algeria and Libya, with plans to send another envoy to the Republic of Congo.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision to seek new supply routes follows President Lee Jae Myung's call for action after the United States' conflict with Iran obstructed the Strait of Hormuz, affecting maritime traffic in the region. Park Jong-han, the deputy foreign minister for economic affairs, is currently visiting Algeria and Libya to discuss potential cooperation on supply chains.

The foreign ministry is also preparing to appoint Jung Hai-ung, a retired diplomat and former ambassador to Algeria, as a special envoy to the Republic of Congo. This move is part of a broader strategy to engage with relevant ministries, the Korea Petroleum Association, and other stakeholders in securing alternative sources of supply, as stated by Minister Cho.

Additionally, Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, has been sent to the Middle East as a special envoy to further South Korea's diplomatic engagements in the region. Meanwhile, Chung Byung-ha, the special envoy to Iran, is in talks with senior Iranian officials in Tehran, focusing on regional developments, the safety of South Korean nationals, and the secure passage of ships.