Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan met with his Israeli counterpart on Thursday in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The anniversary falls on April 10.

Avigdor Liberman’s two-day visit until Friday is the first of its kind since he took office in February 2009.

“This visit has a special meaning in that this year marks the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship. Your visit will be another moment that upgrades our relationship,” Kim told Liberman.

In response, Liberman said, “We really have very warm and very friendly relations,” adding that Israel appreciates South Korea’s stance in the international arena and bilateral economic cooperation.

The two exchanged views on the recent developements in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula, bilateral economic cooperation and the situation in Northeast Asia.

Kim requested the cooperation of the Israeli government in ensuring the safety of Korean residents and travelers there in case of an emergency, the ministry said.

Liberman is also to meet with Kim Choong-hwan, chairman of the National Assembly’s committee on foreign affairs, trade and unification, and tour the border village of Panmunjeom.

Liberman is then to fly to China to meet with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi to commemorate 20 years of Sino-Israeli ties.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)