Minister Kang Kyung-hwa Talks with UK Foreign Secretary... Discusses COVID-19 Response and Brexit Preparations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone conversation on the afternoon of the 10th at the request of Dominic Raab, the British Foreign Secretary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

In this third call following those in February and April, the two ministers discussed △ response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) △ revision of bilateral agreements in preparation for Brexit △ a special message from the British Queen on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War △ cooperation in the environmental sector △ recent international affairs.

Minister Kang evaluated the recent stabilization of the COVID-19 situation in the UK and expressed gratitude for the close cooperation, including the UK side sharing in advance the quarantine measures for overseas arrivals with Korea.

In response, Minister Raab said that although much progress has been made in COVID-19 response over the past three months, they are not letting their guard down against the possibility of a resurgence, and currently, like Korea, they are working to prevent a second wave by balancing quarantine measures and returning to daily life.

Furthermore, Minister Kang congratulated the UK on securing vaccine development funds exceeding the target at the Global Vaccine Summit (GAVI) hosted by the UK, and said that efforts should be made so that everyone in need can benefit from vaccine development.

Minister Raab also expressed gratitude for Minister Kang’s participation and contribution at the recent Global Vaccine Summit and responded by saying that they will expand health cooperation between the two countries.

In particular, the two ministers agreed that economic recovery after COVID-19 should be environmentally friendly. Minister Raab said that the UK will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) at the end of next year, and Minister Kang said that the Korean government places importance on the digital and green sectors as the two main pillars of post-COVID economic recovery.

Minister Kang then expressed hope that the Korea-UK FTA, which is in its final stages, and the revision of the Korea-UK air agreement will be implemented promptly, and Minister Raab stated that they will work to complete the related procedures within the Brexit transition period to ensure that economic exchanges between the two countries are not disrupted. Additionally, Minister Raab conveyed that on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, which holds special significance for bilateral relations, Queen Elizabeth II is preparing a special message to the peoples of both countries, to which Minister Kang expressed her gratitude.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The two ministers exchanged views on recent international affairs and agreed to maintain active communication and close cooperation on various international issues."

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