Austrian Prime Minister: "Korea, a 'Model Country for COVID-19,' to Resume Direct Flights Soon"… President Moon: "Exchanges Must Continue"

President Moon Jae-in [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] On the 28th, President Moon Jae-in had a phone call with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and promised to resume exchanges between the two countries soon.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a written briefing that when President Moon mentioned "guaranteeing essential personnel exchanges," Chancellor Kurz responded, "Austria plans to lift travel warnings soon," and added, "Since South Korea is a model country in responding to COVID-19, Austria will also take measures to resume direct flights between Austria and South Korea." In response, President Moon expressed his gratitude, saying, "For overcoming the global economic crisis, human and material exchanges must continue, and in this regard, Chancellor Kurz's measure to resume direct flights is meaningful." The call between the two leaders took place for 30 minutes starting at 5 p.m. at Chancellor Kurz's request.

The two leaders especially showed mutual interest in quarantine measures at educational sites ahead of school reopening and exchanged views. When Chancellor Kurz shared Austria's situation and asked about the South Korean government's response, President Moon replied, "COVID-19 is considerably under control, so we have started to ease social distancing and are considering transitioning to a daily quarantine system soon." He added, "Our government is also reviewing the reopening of schools, and if the current stable management level is maintained, we are considering a phased return to school in May, prioritizing high school seniors and middle school third graders who are preparing for entrance exams."

Regarding the 'second pandemic (global outbreak)' that quarantine experts are concerned about, President Moon said, "To prevent a second pandemic, it is important to thoroughly maintain quarantine measures while conducting socioeconomic activities and to control confirmed cases below a certain number." He also emphasized, "Efforts for prevention through close cooperation and solidarity in the international community are also necessary."

Furthermore, he stressed, "South Korea plans to further strengthen international cooperation through sharing quarantine experience and clinical data, supplying quarantine and medical supplies, efforts to develop vaccines and treatments, and guaranteeing essential personnel exchanges."

Chancellor Kurz praised South Korea's COVID-19 quarantine as "successful," saying, "It is especially impressive how quickly South Korea reduced the number of confirmed cases," and extended his congratulations.

Spokesperson Kang added, "After exchanging opinions on overcoming the COVID-19 crisis, President Moon expressed his gratitude for Austria, a leading country in nuclear non-proliferation, consistently supporting our government's efforts to ease tensions and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula."

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