Seoul, Sept. 18 (SANA)South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Friday his country would not deploy troops in a way that could draw it into an overseas conflict, while stressing the need to protect South Korean citizens and national interests in theStrait of Hormuz.

“No troops will be deployed in a way that would draw the country into a conflict, and there will be no engagement in combat or involvement in a war,” Lee told a news conference, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Lee said Seoul would maintain its policy of avoiding involvement in armed conflict while carrying out what he described as “the minimum activities necessary to protect its citizens and the crude oil transport route in the region, as other countries do.”

South Koreais discussing ways to contribute to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in theMiddle East.The South Korean Navy’s Cheonghae Unit has expanded its mission to include activities related to the region.

Asked about the possibility of renewed talks between North Korea and the United States, Lee said such dialogue could not be ruled out and called for efforts to promote talks aimed at peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean Prime Minister Hang Seung-sook said on Sept. 9 that no decision had been made on deploying troops to the Strait of Hormuz and that discussions were focused on possible contributions to international efforts.