Korea-Sweden Deputy Foreign Ministers' Video Conference... Discussion on Expanding COVID-19 Cooperation

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the afternoon of the 8th, Kim Geon, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a video conference with Eleanor Hammarskj?ld, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This video conference was held to review the cooperation matters related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) discussed between the two heads of state in March and to discuss ways to expand cooperation between the two countries after COVID-19.

Both sides shared the COVID-19 trends and response status in Korea and Sweden and evaluated that close information exchange and experience sharing between the two countries have been taking place.

Deputy Minister Kim evaluated that since the phone call between our President and Swedish Prime Minister L?fven in March, close information exchange and experience sharing between the two countries have been taking place. Deputy Minister Hammarskj?ld welcomed this and responded that she hopes continuous cooperation between the two countries regarding COVID-19 response will be maintained going forward.

Deputy Minister Hammarskj?ld explained that there are misunderstandings in the media about Sweden's COVID-19 quarantine policy, stating, “Like other countries, Sweden is focusing on suppressing the spread of COVID-19 infection and quarantine, implementing various restrictions and recommendations such as social distancing and bans on visiting certain facilities.” She particularly noted that the spread in elderly care facilities is severe and that active measures are being taken.

Both sides agreed to continue seeking ways for the two countries to constructively contribute to international efforts related to vaccine and treatment development and distribution, which were discussed during the phone call between President Moon Jae-in and Swedish Prime Minister L?fven in March.

Deputy Minister Kim emphasized, “The COVID-19 crisis is not confined to one country, and cooperation and solidarity in the international community are more important than ever,” adding, “Vaccines and treatments must become public goods for all humanity.” He also evaluated Sweden’s continued support for the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) located in Seoul and added, “Let us continue international cooperation related to vaccines and treatments.”

Deputy Minister Hammarskj?ld explained that Swedish Prime Minister L?fven aims to actively seek international cooperation on vaccine and treatment development and strengthen multilateralism through the United Nations and other channels under the health cooperation initiative called “coming back stronger” after the crisis, expressing hope for Korea’s interest and participation. Both sides welcomed that Korea and Sweden maintain an excellent cooperative relationship, as evidenced by mutual visits of the two heads of state last year, and agreed on the need to further strengthen cooperation in various fields such as innovation, science and technology, and climate change for future mutual prosperity.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Kim requested Sweden’s interest and support for Yoo Myung-hee, Director-General for Trade Negotiations, who has declared candidacy for the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). They also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the region. Deputy Minister Kim explained the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and said, “We appreciate Sweden’s active role in establishing lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and look forward to Sweden’s continued support and encouragement.” Deputy Minister Hammarskj?ld reaffirmed Sweden’s firm support for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

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