Iran (IMNA) - Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the statements during a phone discussion with his South Korean colleague, Park Jin, on Monday, during which the two addressed the most critical bilateral problems of regional and international relevance.
Iran's senior ambassador said of the transfer of cash from South Korean banks to Switzerland, "Now we can open a new chapter in bilateral relations."
"The Islamic Republic welcomes any initiative that will help promote ties between the two countries," he added.
Iran and the United States recently reached an agreement to unlock around $6 billion in Iranian cash that had been unjustly frozen in South Korea under the guise of US sanctions.
In late August, South Korean media claimed that the unblocked Iranian cash had been moved to Switzerland's central bank before being transferred to Iran.
Mohammad Reza Farzin, Governor of Iran's Central Bank, stated on August 12 that all of Iran's frozen cash in South Korea has been freed and will be utilized in the form of banking payments to purchase non-sanctioned products and commodities.
During the phone call, Amir-Abdollahian stated that strengthening connections with Asian nations is one of the Iranian administration's foreign policy priorities, adding, "We believe that the current century belongs to Asia."
He stressed that Iran and South Korea are "two important players" in Asia, adding that Tehran places a premium on friendly relations with Seoul.
The senior Iranian diplomat also stated Tehran's willingness to expand cooperation with Seoul through regional and international institutions.
South Korea's foreign minister praised the decision to release Iran's blocked cash in his country, saying it demonstrated Seoul's tangible commitment to the Iranian government and people.
He expressed Seoul's willingness to further collaborate with Tehran to promote peace and stability in the West Asia area, citing recent good advances in bilateral relations.
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