1. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari will pay an official visit to the Republic of Korea on February 16-19, leading a delegation that includes Chairman Sami Al Araji of the National Investment Commission. The first-ever visit to the country by an Iraqi Foreign Minister since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989 will be made at the formal invitation of his ROK counterpart Kim Sung-Hwan extended last September.

2. On February 17, Minister Zebari will meet with his ROK counterpart to exchange views on matters of mutual concern, including the friendly and cooperative relationship, cooperation in economy, trade and the defense industry, and holding meetings of the joint commission.

° Minister Kim plans to request Iraq support a stable supply of crude oil and ROK companies’ bids to participate in oil and natural gas development projects.

* Iraq is the fourth-largest crude oil supplier to the ROK.

3. Minister Zebari’s schedule during his visit also includes a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak and a meeting with business leaders.

                                       Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation