Korea-Czech Foreign Ministers' Call: "Need for International Cooperation on COVID-19 Vaccination and Therapeutics Development"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the afternoon of the 4th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone call at the request of Czech Foreign Minister Tom?? Pet???ek, exchanging views on cooperation measures related to the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the bilateral relations marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.

Minister Kang explained that although the COVID-19 situation in Korea has recently improved, vigilance is maintained without lowering the guard, currently continuing social distancing with some easing of its intensity, and plans to soon transition to a ‘living quarantine (distancing in daily life)’ system.

In response, Minister Pet???ek highly evaluated Korea’s effective response to COVID-19 and expressed gratitude for Korea’s cooperation in exporting diagnostic kits and sharing experiences.

Minister Kang highly appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in supporting the return of overseas nationals and the entry of Korean businesspeople into the Czech Republic during the COVID-19 response process.

Furthermore, the two ministers evaluated the successful cooperation between both sides in facilitating the return of Czech nationals residing in Australia and New Zealand via Korean Air special flights, and the return of Korean nationals on the same flights when they returned. They expressed hope to continue this cooperation going forward. Through Korean Air special flights, 363 Czech nationals residing in Australia and New Zealand returned to Prague via Incheon, and on the return flights, 249 Korean nationals residing in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Slovakia returned to Korea.

Additionally, both ministers emphasized the need for international cooperation on vaccination and therapeutic development to prevent a second wave of COVID-19, agreeing to collaborate on this matter as well.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The two ministers agreed to successfully overcome the common crisis of COVID-19 and to strengthen bilateral relations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year," adding, "Minister Pet???ek expressed the Czech government’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims and bereaved families of the Icheon fire that occurred on April 29."

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