EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Talks with Minister Kang Kyung-wha: "Need for Mid- to Long-Term COVID-19 Response"

Minister Kang: "We Will Remain Vigilant and Respond Until Vaccines and Treatments Are Developed"

Minister of Employment and Labor Lee Jae-gap (left), Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha, and Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul are saluting the national flag at the extraordinary Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 18th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone call for about 30 minutes on the evening of the 16th at the request of Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, discussing bilateral issues between Korea and the EU, including responses to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and future cooperation measures.

Minister Kang stated, "Although the situation related to COVID-19 in Korea is improving, such as a decrease in new confirmed cases, our government is cautious about cases of reinfection among some recovered patients and is making multifaceted efforts, including social distancing, to completely end the infection," adding, "We will continue to respond without lowering our guard until vaccines and treatments are developed."

In response, High Representative Borrell shared the COVID-19 spread situation in Europe, saying, "Although some countries such as Spain and Italy, where the spread of COVID-19 has slowed, are moving to ease lockdown measures, protecting the health of citizens remains an important task," emphasizing, "It is necessary to respond to COVID-19 from a mid- to long-term perspective."

Additionally, both ministers agreed on the necessity of international support for COVID-19 response, such as the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) decision on temporary debt repayment relief for the poorest countries, and decided to continue seeking cooperative measures whereby Korea and the EU can constructively contribute to the international community's efforts to end COVID-19.

A Foreign Ministry official stated, "The two ministers also exchanged views on ways to develop Korea-EU relations and agreed to continue efforts to develop the strategic partnership in various fields such as politics, economy, and security based on shared universal values."

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