S. Korea pledges US$15 million in aid for Palestinians

SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has pledged to donate US$15 million for
the reconstruction of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip over the next two years, the
country's foreign ministry said Tuesday.
Vice Foreign Minister Shin Kak-soo made the announcement at the International
Conference in Support of the Palestinian Economy for the Reconstruction of Gaza,
held in the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh Monday, according to the ministry.
"Minister Shin expressed South Korea's intention to continue support for the
Palestinian economy and its society by taking advantage of the country's
experience in the post-war reconstruction and rapid economic development," the
ministry said.
Shin also emphasized the need for the international community to make more effort
in providing effective assistance for the Gaza Strip, it said.
A total of 72 nations and a dozen international organizations participated in the
conference.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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