TURKISH CENTER for ASIA PACIFIC STUDIES
This image provided by the foreign ministry shows South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
SEOUL, Sept. 26 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has held a meeting with his Iranian counterpart in New York and discussed enhancing cooperation in various fields, including culture and people-to-people exchanges, the foreign ministry said Friday.
Cho's meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi took place the previous day (local time) on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.
The two ministers agreed to work together to strengthen bilateral ties, building on more than 60 years of cooperation between their countries, the ministry said.
Cho, in particular, called for expanding the foundation for future bilateral cooperation by advancing cooperation in available fields such as academia, culture and people-to-people exchanges. He cited Korean culture and cuisine, which are currently gaining popularity in Iran, as examples of sectors for potential cooperation.
Also discussed were issues regarding the reimposition of U.N. sanctions on Iran.
The U.S. Security Council voted earlier this month to reimpose economic sanctions on Iran for violating a 2015 deal on curbing its nuclear weapons. South Korea abstained, taking into account its relations with Tehran
Cho underscored the importance of resolving the issue peacefully and diplomatically through dialogue and negotiations, expressing hope relevant countries could continue working toward a solution.
The same day, Cho also held talks with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and discussed bilateral relations and regional security.
Cho voiced hope that the countries could further advance cooperation in defense, defense manufacturing and other areas, while Wong described South Korea as one of Australia's most important partners, calling for deeper cooperation and strategic communication on international security, the ministry said.
Both sides also exchanged views on regional security and agreed to enhance cooperation for peace and stability in their region.
In a separate meeting with Mexican Foreign Secretary Juan Ramn de la Fuente, Cho expressed hope that South Korea would be exempt from Mexico's recent proposal to raise tariffs on imports from countries without free trade agreements.
The foreign minister said he hopes the two countries will hold close consultations to reach a mutually acceptable tariff outcome, while requesting that Mexico provide exemptions or incentives, such as tariff refunds, to South Korean firms if tariff hikes are unavoidable.
The Mexican secretary appreciated the contributions South Korean firms are making to Mexico's economic development, noting that any tariff increases would be implemented in compliance with World Trade Organization agreements.
Cho also held bilateral talks with Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand and agreed to pursue cooperation in promising business fields, such as liquefied natural gas, critical minerals and small modular reactors, the foreign ministry said.
By Park Boram
Source: Yonhap News Agency
FM Cho calls for expanding foundation for future cooperation in talks with Iran FM
September 26, 2025