South Korea's first female Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha has taken the oath of office, emphasizing the importance of strengthening relations with China, Japan and Russia.
Kang also stressed upon the importance of overcoming the DPRK nuclear issue.
Her first task as the top diplomat will be to prepare for a meeting between South Korea President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump, scheduled for later this month, and the G20 summit next month.
Kang had served as a special policy adviser to the UN secretary-general before President Moon nominated her as foreign minister.