South Korea-China Foreign Ministers Talk... Kang Kyung-wha Urges Cooperation on Repatriation of Our Citizens

Minister Wang expresses gratitude for the Korean government's delivery of 2 million masks and medical relief supplies

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is attending the meeting of ministers in charge of responding to the novel coronavirus infection held at the Government Seoul Office on the 28th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 28th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone conversation with Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, exchanging views on mutual concerns including the protection of Korean nationals in China related to the novel coronavirus, necessary support to the Chinese side, and high-level exchanges between South Korea and China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Minister Kang requested continued cooperation from the Chinese side to ensure the safety of Korean nationals residing in China, including support for their return amid the recent spread of the novel coronavirus in China. She also stated, "We hope that through the Chinese government's active measures, this situation will be resolved quickly and smoothly, and our government will actively provide necessary support such as supplies during this process."

The government plans to prioritize delivering medical relief supplies to China, including 2 million masks and 100,000 each of protective suits and goggles, via charter flights expected to transport evacuees from Wuhan on the 30th to 31st.

In response, Minister Wang introduced the active response measures taken by the Chinese government, including the Chinese leadership, regarding the novel coronavirus, and expressed gratitude for the South Korean government's willingness to support, stating, "We will continue to communicate and cooperate closely with the South Korean government, including cooperation to protect Korean nationals in China during this response process."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Both ministers agreed that this year’s summit and high-level exchanges will be an opportunity to elevate South Korea-China relations to the next level, and decided to accelerate communication and consultations at various levels between the two countries to prepare for this while overcoming the current crisis together."

The two ministers also agreed to continue close discussions and strengthen cooperation on various mutual concerns going forward.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.