Iran welcomes 'stability' in Korean peninsula

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki says Tehran welcomes 'conformity' between Pyongyang and Seoul, and stability in the Korean peninsula.

The Islamic Republic is "ready to continue its goodwill efforts" to realize "peace and stability" in the Korean Peninsula, Mottaki said in a meeting with South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Yong-joon on Saturday.

"We welcome conformity and agreement between the two Koreas," he added.

Mottaki's comments came two days after North Korea accused South Korea of sending warships across their sea border, and warned of a naval military clash in the region.

Relations between the two Koreas have been strained since the Korean War ended in 1953. In 2000, former South Korean president, the late Kim Dae-Jung, made efforts to establish better ties with the North. However, the two sides never made a full-fledged rapprochement.

Mottaki and Yong-joon also discussed areas of mutual interest, including joint medical projects in war-torn Afghanistan.

"We hope to contribute to peace and stability in Afghanistan by creating medical clinics and education facilities using [South] Korean and international funds," Yong-joon said.