Vice Minister Jo Se-young Holds Video Conference with Nordic Ambassadors from Four Countries to Discuss 'Post-Corona' Diplomacy

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the afternoon of the 12th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a video conference chaired by First Vice Minister Joseyong with the heads of missions stationed in the four Nordic countries to share the current status of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and response trends, and to discuss the outlook for the international situation after COVID-19 and diplomacy toward the Nordic countries.

This video conference was attended by the heads of missions including the Ambassador to Norway, Ambassador to Denmark, Ambassador to Sweden, and Ambassador to Finland, as well as relevant officials from the headquarters.

Vice Minister Cho encouraged the mission staff who have worked hard to protect overseas nationals and support their return despite the difficult circumstances caused by the spread of COVID-19, and mentioned that it is a time to consider how our diplomacy should change based on the changes in the international environment due to COVID-19.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of diplomacy toward the Nordic countries, our middle power partners, as the importance of international solidarity and cooperation has increased during the COVID-19 response and post-measures process.

Accordingly, the heads of missions attending the meeting presented on the current status and response measures of COVID-19 in the Nordic countries, the outlook for international relations after COVID-19, and the diplomatic direction with the Nordic countries after COVID-19.

Subsequently, the heads of missions emphasized the importance of a customized diplomatic strategy that takes into account the changed external relations and diplomatic environment after COVID-19, and the characteristics of the Nordic countries differentiated from the major power-centered diplomacy and ‘key issue’-centered diplomacy.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "At the meeting, we discussed various ways to strengthen cooperation between our country, recognized internationally as a model in quarantine, and the Nordic countries, which have strengths in health and medical care, climate, digital, and startup sectors," adding, "This meeting is evaluated as an opportunity to explore cooperation measures with the Nordic countries in the new diplomatic environment after COVID-19 and to reorganize our diplomatic strategy."

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