45th Anniversary of Korea-Myanmar Diplomatic Relations, Foreign Ministers' Call: "Actively Pursuing Follow-up Measures After Leaders' Summit"

Myanmar Foreign Minister Expresses Gratitude for South Korea's Support of Diagnostic Kits and Quarantine Supplies

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Myanmar, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone call on the afternoon of the 15th, one day before the anniversary, with Kyaw Tin, Myanmar's Minister of International Cooperation, to congratulate each other on the development of bilateral relations over the past 45 years and to discuss the future direction of the relationship.

First, both ministers agreed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, bilateral relations have made remarkable progress in various fields, and especially through two summit meetings last year, the relationship has developed to the highest level ever.

Minister Kang stated that although high-level exchanges between the two countries have temporarily slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary this year, they should build on the achievements so far and work together to further deepen and develop bilateral relations.

In response, Minister Kyaw Tin sincerely congratulated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations on behalf of Myanmar and said that since the current crisis can become an opportunity, both countries should closely cooperate to make the most of this and advance Korea-Myanmar relations.

Furthermore, both ministers shared updates on COVID-19 trends within their countries and evaluated that close quarantine cooperation between Korea and Myanmar is being carried out at both government and private levels.

Minister Kyaw Tin mentioned that the Korean-style quarantine model (K-quarantine) is frequently referenced and highly praised Korea's effective response. He also expressed gratitude, noting that Korea's support of diagnostic kits and other quarantine supplies has been a great help in Myanmar's COVID-19 response.

Minister Kang expressed confidence that through bilateral quarantine cooperation, the COVID-19 crisis can be overcome together, and conveyed that the Korean government plans to actively promote quarantine cooperation with ASEAN countries, including Myanmar, to eradicate COVID-19.

Additionally, Minister Kang expressed appreciation for the Myanmar government's active cooperation in facilitating the return of Korean nationals amid the suspension of air routes between the two countries, and stated that maximum convenience will be provided to Myanmar nationals in Korea to ensure their smooth return. She emphasized that both countries should closely consult to enable the entry of essential personnel such as Korean businesspeople into Myanmar in the future.

A Foreign Ministry official explained, "Minister Kang agreed to closely cooperate so that practical cooperation projects between the two countries can be normally promoted as soon as the COVID-19 situation stabilizes," adding, "Through this, it will contribute to economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 era."

Meanwhile, Minister Kang urged joint efforts to accelerate practical cooperation projects such as the economic cooperation industrial complex agreed upon by the two heads of state and the development of the Dala new town near Yangon. Minister Kyaw Tin also expressed agreement and responded that to maintain the momentum of bilateral relations formed through last year's summit, they will actively promote follow-up measures after the summit.

Following this, Minister Kang reaffirmed President Moon Jae-in's firm commitment to the New Southern Policy and stated that cooperation with Myanmar and other ASEAN countries will continue to expand. Minister Kyaw Tin expressed gratitude for the Korean government's deepening cooperation with ASEAN countries through the New Southern Policy, said he had read with interest President Moon's special speech on his third anniversary in office, and evaluated that Korea will lead future international cooperation centered on human security based on its successful COVID-19 quarantine efforts.

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