Turkey Backs Seoul’s Troop Dispatch

During their talks, the two discussed issues of mutual concern, including Seoul’s plan to dispatch additional troops to Iraq, and reconfirmed their friendly relationship, according to officials.

It is the first time for a South Korean foreign minister to make an official visit to Turkey since the two countries established ties in 1957.

Officials said Turkey has said it supports Seoul’s troop dispatch plan, which Ban explained is for peace and rehabilitation of the war-torn Middle Eastern country.

During his meeting with his counterpart, Minister Ban, in the Turkish capital on Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul gave Ankara’s backing for Korea’s planned troop deployment.

Gul said there would be “no problem’’ regardless of the location Seoul decides to deploy its 3,000-strong contingent, adding that Turkey, as a country which once considered similar troop dispatch to Iraq, will provide assistance in information and logistics if deemed necessary.

Ban briefly dropped by Istanbul to meet Korean residents living there and is scheduled to fly to Greece on Wednesday morning