Iran and South Korea have signed an agreement allowing prisoners convicted in either country to be transferred to their home country to serve the remainder of their sentences.
Iranian Deputy Justice Minister for Human Rights and International Affairs Askar Jalalian said the agreement provides a legal framework for transferring Iranian prisoners held in South Korea and South Korean prisoners held in Iran.
The agreement was signed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The deal establishes procedures for the transfer of convicted prisoners between the two countries, allowing eligible inmates to continue serving their sentences in their home countries.
Jalalian said the agreement would provide a legal basis for the transfer of prisoners held in the two countries.
The agreement comes as Tehran and Seoul maintain diplomatic engagement over the wider Middle East conflict and the safety of their nationals in the region.
South Korea has also been engaging Iran over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, with Seoul calling for the safe and free passage of vessels through the strategic waterway.
The two countries have maintained diplomatic relations for more than six decades, while their bilateral ties have included cooperation on trade, consular matters and the protection of nationals.
