DILI, 08 august 2022 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak asked the family members of the five South Koreans who were killed in an incident in the Oe-Cusse, 19 years ago to regularly visit Timor-Leste.
Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak knew very well the situation of the soldiers back then as he was the Major-General and Timor-Leste Defense Forces Chief.
“Today, I accompanied the family members of the soldiers who were killed in Oe-Cusse, in 2003 to meet Prime Minister Ruak. Back then, Ruak was the Major-General and Timor-Leste Defense Forces Chief and he knew the contribution of these soldiers. Therefore, we are here to greet Prime Minister Ruak,” Ambassador of South Korea to Timor-Leste, Kim Jeong Ho told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak, at the Palace of Government, on monday.
Ambassador Kim Jeong Ho said Prime Minster hugged the family members of the five soldiers and expressed his sorrow and regret: “Ruak told them to consider Timor-Leste as their home and asked them to feel free to visit Timor-Leste at any time they want.”
Both parties talked about future collaboration to search for the missing remain of Sergeant Kim Jeong-joong.
Jeong Ho informed that the family members of the soldiers felt proud as the Timorese people and the Government of Timor-Leste recognized the contribution of their sons, husbands, and fathers.
“On behalf of the Government of South Korea, I would to express our deep appreciation to the President of the Republic, Prime Minister, and the Timorese people for recognizing and honoring the dedication and contribution of the soldiers to the foundation development of Timor-Leste. South Korea will continue to support Timor-Leste to improve the wellbeing of the Timorese people,” said he said.
Min Byeong-jo, Bak Jin-gyu, Baek Jong-hoon, Choe Heui, and Kim Jeong-joong were among the five Korean peacekeepers who were killed in Oe-Oussi on march 6, 2003, when they were swept away by a swift-moving river.
The incident occurred when a vehicle with two South Korean soldiers on board got stuck crossing the river. Three other soldiers from another vehicle attempted to help them, but the strong current washed away all five.
To honor the contribution of the soldiers, on monday (08/08), the President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta awarded the medal of merits to the five South Korean soldiers.
Journalist: Antónia Gusmão
Editor: Julia Chatarina/Nelia Borges
Translation: Filomeno Martins
