Minister Kang Kyung-wha Talks with Brunei Foreign Minister... Discusses Ensuring Essential Personnel Movement and More

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is speaking at the 3rd Diplomatic Strategy Coordination Meeting held on the afternoon of the 28th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul to evaluate and share the situation of the US-China conflict and discuss response measures. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 29th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone call with Brunei Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof to discuss support for the smooth movement of essential personnel and cooperation measures between Korea and ASEAN, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 30th.

Minister Kang introduced the current status of the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in Korea and the epidemiological investigation method incorporating information technology (IT), and evaluated that Brunei is also managing the COVID-19 situation quickly and actively through quarantine policies utilizing IT.

In response, Minister Erywan said, "The Korean government's efforts to respond to COVID-19 have been very effective," adding, "Brunei has not had any new confirmed cases for more than two months, but remains vigilant against resurgence."

Both ministers agreed on the importance of strengthening cooperation among countries to support the return of overseas nationals and guarantee the movement of essential personnel amid the difficulties of free movement between countries.

Minister Kang stated that the Korean government is supporting the movement of essential personnel such as businesspeople with China and Vietnam, and Minister Erywan responded that the Brunei government also agrees on the necessity of the movement of essential personnel within the scope that does not hinder quarantine efforts.

Furthermore, regarding bilateral relations between Korea and Brunei, Minister Erywan expressed gratitude, noting that the Temburong Bridge, which Korean companies participated in constructing and opened in March this year, connects eastern and western Brunei and contributes to domestic infrastructure linkage. Minister Kang congratulated the safe opening of the Temburong Bridge, a symbol of Korea-Brunei cooperation, even amid the COVID-19 situation.

Minister Erywan also expressed appreciation for the support and contribution of President Moon Jae-in and the Korean government in coordinating COVID-19 responses. In particular, he conveyed deep gratitude for Korea's decision to contribute $1 million to the ASEAN-led COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund, as well as support to ASEAN countries through various resources including the "Korea-ASEAN Cooperation Fund" for diagnostic kits and personal protective equipment. They also reached a consensus on the importance of participating in the global vaccine supply system, the COVAX Facility.

Meanwhile, both ministers agreed to closely cooperate to ensure the successful hosting of ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meetings and summits this year, hoping that the ASEAN-related foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for September will be held in person, allowing for direct meetings.

Minister Kang stated, "Brunei is making a significant contribution as the Korea-ASEAN Dialogue Coordinator to promote communication and cooperation between Korea and ASEAN," and requested Brunei to play a role in the successful hosting of ASEAN-related meetings this year. In response, Minister Erywan said that Brunei will assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2021 and hopes to continue close cooperation with Korea in discussing and responding to various regional issues on the ASEAN stage.

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