Abe, Japanese Prime Minister: "Korea is an important country... I want to continue cooperation in responding to COVID-19"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated on the 29th that he "hopes to continuously cooperate with Korea" regarding the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the same day, during the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Abe reportedly responded this way when Korean-Japanese lawmaker Baek Jin-hoon of the Constitutional Democratic Party asked about the relationship with Korea in relation to the COVID-19 response.

Abe said, "After many infections occurred in Wuhan, China, the cases increased explosively, and then infections appeared centered around Daegu in Korea," adding, "Sharing information and exchanging experiences with Korea will be very helpful for Japan's response as well."

He mentioned the case of cooperating with Korea in repatriating overseas residents by chartered flights and reiterated, "I want to continue cooperating with Korea in responding to COVID-19."

He also added, "Korea is our neighboring country and an important country."

He expressed the view that the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, postponed to July next year, must be premised on the end of COVID-19.

When lawmaker Baek asked, "The Prime Minister proposed a one-year extension of the Olympics to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Is the end of COVID-19 a prerequisite?" Abe replied, "I think it is impossible to hold the games in a complete form if the situation is not resolved."

He continued, "I assure you that we will hold the Olympics and Paralympics in a complete form where both athletes and spectators can participate with peace of mind."

Regarding the current COVID-19 situation, Abe said, "We must be prepared for a long-term battle," adding, "The games should be held as evidence that humanity has overcome the coronavirus infection, and if that is not the case, the games will be quite difficult."

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