SEOUL, April 8 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's foreign ministry said Wednesday that the government welcomed a ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Iran earlier in the day, saying it created momentum for the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministry also appreciated mediation efforts by relevant countries, including Pakistan.
South Korea expressed hope that talks between the two sides would be concluded and that peace and stability in the Middle East would be restored at an early date.
It also hoped that free navigation for all vessels, including South Korean ships, through the Strait of Hormuz would resume swiftly and safely, adding that Seoul would continue communication and consultation with relevant countries to that end.
Iran and the United States have agreed to a two-week ceasefire less than two hours before the deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump, and will hold negotiations in Pakistan.
Trump announced Tuesday he has agreed to "suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks."
The decision is "subject to" Iran agreeing to the complete, immediate and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz, he wrote on social media.
On the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran will cease "defensive operations" if attacks against it stop.
Araghchi also promised safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week ceasefire under "coordination" with Iranian armed forces, saying that Iran will hold negotiations with the U.S. side in Pakistan's capital Islamabad. ■
