afrol News, 7 October - The government of South Korea is considering to bolster the fight against pirates in Somalian waters, foreign minister Yu Myung-hwan said.

During an inspection of foreign ministry by lawmakers, the minister said consultations among related ministers have been taking place on the dispatching of a destroyer to Somalian waters.

Last month, a South Korean ship carrying eight South Koreans and 13 Mynmar citizens were held hostage by pirates off the coast of Somalia.

Foreign minister assured that negotiations for rescue of the abductees have advanced and that his government was upbeat that the case would soon be resolved.

Local media reports said the South Korean government would likely dispatch the Yi Sun-shin class destroyer to Somalian waters. The navy ship's dispatch is now awaiting approval from the national assembly.

In a separate development, South Korean president said it was about time that his country's navy "play a greater role in the fight against terrorism and piracy."

President Lee Myung-bak, who made the remarks at an international fleet review in the southeastern port city of Busan, said in compliance with the country's enhanced international status, the South Korean navy should "reinforce its role in international efforts to remove common threats to the world."

He expressed the government's resolve to extend full support to beef up the country's military. His comments came after he had brainstormed with navy generals and political leaders on how to eradicate Somali pirates.

Attacks on South Korean crew off the coast of Somalia had been common since 2006.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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