WHO Secretary-General: "President Moon to Deliver Keynote Speech at World Health Assembly as Asia's Representative" (Comprehensive)

WHO Secretary-General Requests President Moon Jae-in... "Share Korea's Comprehensive Approach with World Leaders"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), requested President Moon Jae-in to deliver a keynote speech as the representative of Asia at the World Health Assembly (WHA) scheduled for May. The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the WHO.

On the 6th, during a phone call with President Moon, Director-General Tedros made this request. He highly praised South Korea's response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and conveyed a special proposal. The phone call lasted 25 minutes from 4 p.m. at the request of Director-General Tedros.

Director-General Tedros said, "(I would like to make a special proposal.) One is to pay attention to in-kind support of quarantine supplies such as diagnostic kits to sub-Saharan African countries, and the other is to ask the President to deliver a keynote speech as the representative of Asia at the World Health Assembly to be held virtually in May."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Director-General Tedros stated, "Currently, German Chancellor Merkel and South African President Ramaphosa have agreed to speak on behalf of Europe and Africa," adding, "It will be a good opportunity for countries to share South Korea's experience in responding to COVID-19." President Moon responded, "Thank you for the invitation. We will discuss the details through diplomatic channels, including Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha."

Director-General Tedros emphasized, "It would be good if the President could encourage world leaders to share South Korea's comprehensive approach. It is important that the President speaks directly, and in that case, countries will actively share their experiences."

Director-General Tedros said, "I received the welcome report yesterday that the number of confirmed cases in South Korea decreased the most, and it seems that the situation in South Korea is improving," evaluating that "South Korea's comprehensive strategy, including active testing, diagnosis, and tracking of confirmed patients' movements, is effective."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "I saw you via video at the recent G20 special virtual summit, and I am glad to speak with you by phone today." Director-General Tedros explained, "Thank you for accepting the call. The reason for requesting today's call was to highly appreciate the leadership you have shown in the COVID-19 crisis."

President Moon said, "Our government has consistently responded based on three principles: openness, transparency, and democracy, and we are minimizing unnecessary restrictions on human and material movement according to WHO recommendations," adding, "I appreciate the Director-General and WHO for highly evaluating and trusting our quarantine capabilities and public health measures."

President Moon added, "I have recently consulted with about 20 heads of state on COVID-19 response measures and intend to actively support requested quarantine know-how and supplies as much as possible."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon stated, "In this unprecedented global health crisis, the role of WHO is becoming even more important," urging, "Please take a leading role in eradicating COVID-19 through proactive response and international unity."

He especially emphasized, "I highly appreciate WHO's establishment of the ‘Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan’ to support countries with vulnerable health systems and its leadership in fostering international solidarity through various health initiatives."

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, explained, "WHO announced the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for rapid coordination and support of the international community regarding COVID-19 on February 5. As of the 1st, a total of 677 million dollars has been raised." President Moon said, "Our government plans to contribute not only to WHO but also to UN-led COVID-19 response programs."

Director-General Tedros said, "I am very grateful for your leadership, having spoken with 20 heads of state," evaluating, "You have done important work." He especially emphasized, "My chief of staff and WHO colleagues are also listening to the voice of the President, who is respected in the international community."

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