By Shim Jae-yun
Staff Reporter

President Roh Moo-hyun on Thursday pledging the Seoul government would fully support Iraq in its bid to set up a democratic government in the war-devastated Middle Eastern nation.

``I hope Iraq will promptly recover order at an early date possible to establish a democratic government there,’’ Roh said during a meeting with visiting Kirkuk governor Abdul-Rahman Mustafa.

Seoul is set to dispatch an additional 3,000 troops to the Iraqi city in April.

Roh expressed hope for Kirkuk to recover peace and prosperity in the near future with the help of the Korean troops, according to Chong Wa Dae vice spokesman Ahn Young-bae.

The president explained South Korea had decided to send the troops to respond to the resolution by the United Nations Security Council and to help with Iraq’s reconstruction efforts.

``Korea experienced a similar history as Iraq and has been highly regarded across the globe for its dispatch of forces for peacekeeping operations,’’ he said.

``We have received lots of support from the international community in the course of recovering from the Korean War and enhancing economic development. So, we decided to send the troops to reward such help,’’ Roh was quoted as saying.

The Iraqi governor thanked the Korean government for its efforts toward reconstruction of the Middle Eastern nation, while pledging support for the Korean troops in the process of carrying out their duties.

``Iraq has entered the course toward a democratic nation after terminating long-standing dictatorial regimes,’’ he said.

jayshim@koreatimes.co.kr