Seoul pledges long-term ties with Tehran at wastewater project launch
South Korea’s Ambassador to Iran, Kim Jun-pyo, said Seoul will continue its environmental and social cooperation with Iran as he spoke at the inauguration of the first rural wastewater project in Sistan and Balouchestan, held in the Kohak rural complex in Zahak County.
Kim said the Kohak wastewater scheme is a successful example of effective and friendly cooperation between Iran and South Korea, IRNA reported.
He stressed that his country will maintain its support for joint environmental and social initiatives, saying, “It is gratifying that the Korean government has been able to contribute to improving environmental conditions, increasing local resilience and enhancing public services.”
“We hope more joint projects in water, the environment and health will be implemented in the near future.”
Kim said South Korea attaches importance to its strategic partnership with Iran, especially in humanitarian and social sectors, and “welcomes new projects that help improve the lives of people, particularly children and families.”
He added that Sistan and Balouchestan requires diverse forms of infrastructural support and said developing water and wastewater systems in underserved regions is “fundamental” to improving health and quality of life.
Addressing the ceremony, Monika Oledzka Nilsson, UNICEF deputy representative in Iran, said the Kohak project is part of a successful collective effort capable of creating lasting change for children and families.
She said joint cooperation among UNICEF, the Energy Ministry, the South Korean government and local authorities in water, sanitation and education projects reflects a shared commitment to improving living standards in less-developed areas, adding that the results clearly show a direct and positive impact on children’s well-being.
The Kohak rural wastewater project — serving a population of 10,000 in the Zahak area of Sistan — is the first rural wastewater initiative in the southeastern province carried out with the cooperation of UNICEF and the South Korean embassy.