Colombian President "Deep Respect for South Korea's Response, Hopes to Learn"

President Moon Jae-in Holds Phone Call at Request of Colombian President... "Colombia Was an Ally with Us During the Korean War"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jung-min] Colombian President Iv?n Duque M?rquez said in a phone call with President Moon Jae-in on the 2nd that he "deeply respects and hopes to learn from South Korea's response," according to Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok.

Spokesperson Kang stated, "President Moon had a phone call for about 25 minutes starting at 11 a.m. on the 2nd at the request of President Duque of Colombia, exchanging views on the global challenge of responding to COVID-19," adding, "President Moon expressed condolences and sympathy for the recent significant number of confirmed cases and deaths in Colombia, and hoped that under President Duque's leadership and the Colombian government's strong response measures, the situation would be overcome quickly."

President Duque said, "Congratulations on South Korea's excellent response to COVID-19," and expressed gratitude, saying, "Colombia is facing one of the most challenging moments in its history during this period, and it is very meaningful that the South Korean government has already decided to provide humanitarian aid."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Duque remarked, "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War participation, which makes the brotherhood between our two countries even more tangible," and added, "Seventy years ago, Colombia fought for Korean democracy, and now, in the war against an invisible enemy, sharing South Korea's COVID-19 response experience would be a great help to Colombia."

President Duque especially requested, "We are trying to purchase medical supplies such as oxygen respirators through South Korean private companies, and I ask you, Mr. President, to take an interest and look into this."

President Moon responded, "Colombia is an allied country that dispatched combat troops during the Korean War and fought alongside us for freedom and peace," and said, "The Korean people have not forgotten that gratitude."

President Moon promised, "Since the COVID-19 crisis is not limited to one country, international cooperation and solidarity are important. South Korea, having experienced the spread earlier than the Latin American region, has accumulated relatively extensive experience and clinical information, which we will actively share with the international community, including Colombia."

Furthermore, President Moon said, "Separate from the humanitarian aid request, we will cooperate to ensure that Korean-made diagnostic kits, oxygen respirators, and other medical supplies, which have been expressed interest in purchasing, can provide practical help as circumstances allow."

In response, President Duque said several times, "Mr. President, you are my friend," expressing his gratitude repeatedly, and added, "I also convey the Colombian people's thanks for the various supports."

Meanwhile, Spokesperson Kang explained, "The two leaders expressed regret that President Duque's state visit to South Korea, originally planned for April this year, was postponed due to domestic circumstances in Colombia, and agreed to discuss the visit through diplomatic channels once the COVID-19 situation stabilizes."

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