Government Launches 'International Cooperation TF' to Support Globally Acclaimed 'K-Quarantine'

Promotion of Mask Support for Foreign Korean War Veterans
Mask Support to Japan, "No Request for Support from Central Government Level"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As South Korea's quarantine measures are gaining global attention, the government is operating an international cooperation task force (TF) to effectively respond to foreign requests related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 20th, the international cooperation TF, led by Multilateral Diplomacy Coordinator Ham Sang-wook, is a comprehensive consultative body aimed at effectively providing quarantine supplies and know-how, including masks, diagnostic kits, and protective suits, to the international community.

This follows Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun's directive on the 17th, stating that the whole world is interested in South Korea's quarantine system and instructing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote ways to share the K-quarantine model with the international community to support it.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told reporters on the same day, "When the international community seeks our help, if conditions allow, it is our duty to respond even beyond the scope," adding, "Rather than thinking about enhancing national prestige first, if there is an opportunity, we should contribute, and the improvement of diplomatic status naturally follows as a result."

Additionally, the government plans to provide masks to assist foreign Korean War veterans in responding to COVID-19. The senior official said, "Veterans have a special relationship with us, so they must be given the highest priority."

The official continued, "Since veterans are mostly elderly and vulnerable to the virus, every year, led by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, various supports are provided to veterans when the time comes. This year, there is discussion about providing masks as support."

Mask support is under review by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. The senior official explained, "The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is reviewing it, and in cooperation with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, they are discussing specific plans to receive exemptions for the necessary quantities and provide support."

Meanwhile, regarding mask support to Japan, it is known that there has been no request for support at the central government level. The senior official stated, "There has been no support request from the Japanese central government," adding, "It is not at a stage where we can say a specific review for Japan has begun."

He further explained, "There were retaliatory export restrictions last year and various issues causing discomfort. However, as the government maintains its two-track principle, if there is a need to review, it will be done at that time."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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