Minister Kang Kyung-wha Attends G20 Special Foreign Ministers' Meeting: "Logistics and Human Mobility Must Be Ensured"

Minister Kang Introduces 'Fast Track System' Implemented with China, UAE, Indonesia, Singapore, and Others

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attended the G20 Special Foreign Ministers' Video Conference held on the 3rd ahead of the upcoming G20 Summit in November, discussing cooperation measures among member countries to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

At this meeting, appropriate border control measures for COVID-19 response and cooperation measures among member countries to support the return of overseas nationals were discussed. While respecting the necessity of implementing country-specific quarantine measures, the member countries agreed that smooth logistics and human mobility must be ensured for the recovery and growth of the global economy.

In particular, Minister Kang explained the domestic situation, stating that in the severe situation at a crossroads of resurgence, they are responding meticulously based on openness, transparency, public trust, and cooperation.

Regarding border control, she emphasized, "Korea has managed the overseas inflow of the virus without a complete entry ban," adding, "For economic recovery and the restoration of global supply chains, it is important to allow the movement of essential personnel such as businesspeople and workers while maintaining each country's quarantine system."

Minister Kang then introduced the fast-track system that the Korean government has signed with some countries and proposed expanding this model to countries where conditions permit, as well as conducting multilateral consultations involving multiple countries. She also expressed gratitude to other countries that cooperated in the return of our overseas nationals and stressed that cases where travelers suffer due to confusion over visa issues at transit airports should be prevented through active information exchange among relevant authorities.

G20 member countries plan to closely implement inter-country cooperation measures for COVID-19 response through sectoral ministerial meetings and Sherpa meetings, preparing to achieve joint outcomes at the November summit.

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