President Moon Jae-in says it is only natural to fulfill a moral responsibility to those who assisted South Korea in Afghanistan, as Seoul is in the process of airlifting nearly 400 local staffers and their families from the Taliban-controlled nation.  

In a written statement on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Park Kyung-mee relayed Moon’s remarks after he received a briefing on the planned transport of Afghan evacuees to South Korea, dubbed "Operation Miracle".  

Calling it a "meaningful" mission, Moon said it is fortunate that Afghans who worked side by side with the Korean government, along with their families, can be safely moved out. He also expressed gratitude for the public's understanding and cooperation.

The president ordered all necessary preparations to ensure the Afghan nationals face no inconveniences while in South Korea.

Some 390 Afghan evacuees and their families are set to arrive in the country on Thursday via South Korean military aircraft.