Minister Kang Kyung-hwa to Speak as Key Presenter at WEF Virtual Meeting... Emphasizing International Solidarity and Cooperation in COVID-19 Response

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Plan to closely consult on defense cost-sharing negotiations via phone or video conference"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 25th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will participate as a key speaker in a virtual meeting related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Switzerland.

On the 24th, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kim In-cheol explained, "Minister Kang is scheduled to attend the virtual meeting related to the 'COVID-19 Action Platform' as a key speaker," adding, "At this meeting, she will explain the Korean government's COVID-19 response status based on the principles of openness and transparency, and emphasize the importance of international solidarity and cooperation to overcome the situation." The 'COVID-19 Action Platform' was organized by the WEF to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

Negotiations for the conclusion of the 11th Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between Korea and the United States, which failed to reach a conclusion even after the 7th round of talks, are expected to continue virtually. Special Representative Jeong Eun-bo for Korea-US defense cost-sharing negotiations and James DeHart, the US Department of State's defense cost-sharing negotiation representative (Senior Advisor for Political-Military Affairs), held the 7th round of talks in the US from the 17th to 19th (local time) but could not find common ground.

Spokesperson Kim said, "Currently, international travel and similar activities are highly restricted, and it is uncertain whether the meeting will be held in person, but we plan to conduct close consultations via telephone or video conference and maintain close communication."

Discussions are also expected to continue regarding the unpaid leave of Korean workers employed by the US Forces Korea, which is likely to be implemented starting next month on the 1st due to the delay in concluding the agreement.

Spokesperson Kim responded, "Regarding our nationals working for the US Forces Korea, various compensations are being paid directly by the US side," adding, "As far as I know, there is no way for the Korean side to directly pay those workers, but we will continue close consultations until April 1st and discuss this issue as well."

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