Seoul:Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has requested the South Sudanese government to maintain support for the safety of South Korean troops and nationals in the African nation, as stated by the foreign ministry.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the request was made during Cho's meeting with Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, a special envoy of South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, in Seoul. The discussions also covered development cooperation, regional affairs, and other pertinent issues.

South Korea's Hanbit Unit has been stationed in South Sudan since 2013 as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission. The unit has played a significant role in infrastructure development, particularly in the maintenance and repair of roads and airport runways.

Kiir commended South Korea for its development aid and the Hanbit Unit's contributions to South Sudan's reconstruction and local community advancement. She expressed her desire for enhanced bilateral cooperation in fields such as education and healthcare.

Minister Cho expressed his appreciation for Kiir's visit and emphasized the importance of ongoing bilateral cooperation. He also highlighted the need for continued collaboration in the international arena, particularly concerning elections to international organizations.

Furthermore, Kiir, the eldest daughter of the South Sudanese president, delivered a letter from her father to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, according to the ministry.