Minister Kang Kyung-wha to Hold Consecutive Video Conferences with African and Latin American Chiefs of Mission on July 1 and 2

South Korean Workers for USFK Face Imminent 'Unpaid Leave'
South Korean Defense Cost Negotiation Delegation Likely to Release Public Message as Early as Today

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will hold a series of video conferences related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) with key heads of diplomatic missions stationed in Africa and Latin America.

On the 31st, spokesperson Kim In-cheol explained at a regular briefing, "On April 1 and 2, video conferences will be held respectively with key heads of diplomatic missions stationed in Africa and Latin America regarding COVID-19 response," adding, "Minister Kang will check the local COVID-19 situation with the attending mission chiefs and discuss measures to protect overseas nationals."

Regarding the possibility that unpaid leave for Korean workers at the US Forces Korea may be implemented from the 1st of next month due to delays in the Korea-US defense cost-sharing negotiations, a fundamental response was given that prioritizes a prompt resolution.

Spokesperson Kim said, "We are closely monitoring the possibility of unpaid leave and understand that the government is examining possible countermeasures across ministries," adding, "Although unpaid leave will start from tomorrow, negotiations are proceeding as usual, and we are making every effort to prioritize a swift resolution under any circumstances."

Korea and the United States have been conducting non-face-to-face consultations since the 7th round of negotiations in mid-this month. According to the negotiation results, Chung Eun-bo, Korea’s chief representative for the Korea-US defense cost-sharing negotiations, is expected to make a statement as early as today.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Negotiations have not been suspended, and both sides should negotiate as soon as possible," adding, "It seems the negotiation delegation plans to issue a public message today, but the method has not been decided."

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