Deputy Minister Choi Jong-geon Meets with Kulik, Russian Ambassador to Korea... Discusses Holding Korea-Russia Deputy Ministerial Strategic Dialogue

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 12th, Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Andrey Kulik, Russian Ambassador to Korea, and exchanged views on mutual interests including the development of Korea-Russia relations, cooperation on the international stage such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretary-General election, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Both sides shared the recognition that Korea-Russia relations have steadily developed in various fields over the past 30 years since establishing diplomatic ties in 1990, and they evaluated that close communication at all levels has continued recently, including the Korea-Russia leaders’ phone call, even amid the COVID-19 situation.

They also agreed to extend the Year of Korea-Russia Mutual Exchange until next year and pledged to work together to enable the peoples of both countries to feel closer through abundant events.

Vice Minister Choi proposed that, as Russia is a key partner of the New Northern Policy and both countries overcome the COVID-19 situation together, they should further solidify their friendly and cooperative relationship through regular consultative bodies such as Korea-Russia vice ministerial strategic dialogues.

He also welcomed the recent resumption of regular Korea-Russia flights despite difficult circumstances and hoped that cooperation between the two countries would expand and strengthen in the fields of quarantine, health, and medical care as they overcome the common crisis of COVID-19.

In response, Ambassador Kulik evaluated Korea as an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region and stated that Russia is ready to continue strengthening cooperation with Korea for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the development of bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Vice Minister Choi requested Russia’s support for Yoo Myung-hee, the head of the Trade Negotiations Headquarters, who advanced to the final round of the next WTO Secretary-General election.

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