President Moon Holds Video Conference with Overseas Koreans: "The State Has an Obligation to Protect the Lives and Safety of Its People"

President Moon Jae-in is conversing with Ambassador Song Bong-gil to India and Korean banker Son Hyuk-jun during a video conference with overseas Koreans held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Situation Room in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 24th. The meeting was held to check the safety status of nationals living abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take an active role. 2020.7.24 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sunhee] President Moon Jae-in held a video conference with overseas Koreans on the 24th to check the safety situation after the COVID-19 outbreak, stating, "The state has an obligation to protect the lives and safety of our citizens and compatriots."

At 10:30 a.m. that day, President Moon attended a video conference with overseas Koreans held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "When Korea faced difficulties due to COVID-19 last March, the warm hearts of overseas Koreans were a great strength to the homeland," and added, "Now it is the state's turn to respond." He continued, "There were even doctors who gave up charter flights to return and chose to stay for the compatriots in Wuhan, China," expressing gratitude by saying, "Many compatriots, despite hardships, prioritized concern for the homeland and considered the friendship between the two countries. They are all proud civilian diplomats of the Republic of Korea."

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the government has supported the return of Korean residents abroad amid many countries imposing border closures. Using special charter flights, more than 40,000 Koreans from 117 countries have returned. On the morning of the same day, about 290 Korean workers returned through Incheon Airport aboard an aerial refueling aircraft departing from Iraq. President Moon said, "Although many people still remain, it is fortunate that we could first bring back those who wished to return."

President Moon acknowledged, "The dedication of overseas diplomatic missions and Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff who silently committed behind the scenes was also great," and urged, "Diplomatic mission staff are the closest representatives of the Republic of Korea to overseas citizens and compatriots. I especially express my gratitude and ask you to carry out your duties with pride and a sense of mission." He also expressed concern, saying, "Economic difficulties are intensifying in various countries, and security situations are worsening," emphasizing, "Please take greater care of the lives and safety of our compatriots."

President Moon added encouragement, saying, "During the COVID-19 situation, the international status of the Republic of Korea has rather risen," and "We succeeded in efficient quarantine without closing borders or regions and without stopping the economy, and above all, the mature consciousness of our people is envied by the world."

At the conference, overseas Koreans in Wuhan, India, New York, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand participated through video conferencing systems installed at their respective embassies.

After the video conference, President Moon visited the Overseas Safety Protection Center located in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building to encourage the staff. The Overseas Safety Protection Center serves as the control tower for incidents, accidents, and disaster response for 7.5 million overseas Koreans and travelers abroad.

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