Korea-Baltic States Director-General Level Talks... Expanding Cooperation in Biotechnology and Digital Fields

Strengthening International Health Cooperation... Exchange of Views on Regional Situations in the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, and Europe

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 8th, Kim Pil-woo, Director General of the European Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held the 5th Korea-Baltic Three Countries Director General-level Consultations via video conference with the directors in charge of Asia from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, the three Baltic countries. They had in-depth discussions on Korea-Baltic relations, responses to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and international health cooperation, as well as regional situations in the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, and Europe.

Both sides evaluated that the relationship between Korea and the three Baltic countries has solidly developed in various fields including politics, economy, culture, and human exchanges, based on commonalities such as geopolitical location and excellent human resources. They agreed to expand cooperation in advanced fields where both sides have strengths, such as biotechnology, digital technology, and information and communication technology, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

Additionally, both sides assessed the close cooperation between Korea and the three Baltic countries in responding to COVID-19 and agreed to strive to strengthen the international health cooperation system, which has become even more important due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

They also exchanged views on regional situations including the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, and Europe. Director General Kim explained the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and requested the three Baltic countries to continue supporting Korea’s North Korea policy for the establishment of lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Since 2016, the Korea-Baltic Three Countries Director General-level Consultations have been held annually and, together with the Korea-Baltic Three Countries Economic Joint Committee first held in April 2019, have established themselves as regular consultative bodies providing a foundation for cooperation in diplomacy, security, economy, and science and technology.

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