Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon, currently in the northeastern Chinese city of Qingdao for a meeting of Asian foreign ministers, has asked for help from the United States and international human rights and religious organizations to win the release of a South Korean hostage in Iraq.

Ban told reporters on Monday morning that the government will exert its utmost efforts to get the South Korean hostage released as soon as possible.

Ban said that the Seoul government will first analyze the circumstances surrounding the incident in which he was held hostage while at the same time working closely with the U.S. military command in Iraq and other organizations to win the hostage's release.

Ban also said the government will also step up security for the safety of South Koreans staying in Iraq. About 67 Korean civilians are currently known to be staying in the war-torn country.

The foreign minister arrived in Qingdao Sunday to attend the annual Asian Cooperation Dialogue.