Russia-Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting Begins: "Need to Strengthen Bilateral Communication and People-to-People Exchanges Amid COVID-19"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and stated, "Let us closely cooperate to strengthen communication between the two countries and revitalize human exchanges."

Minister Chung met with Minister Lavrov at 10:30 a.m. on the 25th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, saying, "South Korea and Russia are partners on a journey toward peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and Eurasia."

The two ministers held talks to discuss current issues in bilateral relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, regional and international issues, and also consulted on President Vladimir Putin's planned visit to South Korea.

Minister Chung emphasized, "Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1990, bilateral relations have steadily developed in various fields," adding, "Despite difficult external conditions last year, South Korea remained one of Russia's top ten trading partners and maintained its position as the second-largest trading partner in Russia's Far East region, which is very encouraging."

Minister Chung said, "Although the current COVID-19 situation makes exchange and cooperation conditions difficult, it is precisely at times like these that we must closely cooperate to strengthen communication and revitalize human exchanges between the two countries."

Minister Lavrov responded, "I am confident that Russia and South Korea can overcome COVID-19 through joint efforts," adding, "In this field (COVID-19 response), South Korea and Russia are setting an exemplary case, such as the contract manufacturing of the Russian Sputnik vaccine in South Korea."

He evaluated that relations between Russia and South Korea have developed positively over the past 30 years and said, "Considering all this, it is clear that South Korea is an important and highly potential partner for Russia in the Asia-Pacific region."

Minister Lavrov also said that ambitious goals could be set through invitations at the level of heads of state and prime ministers, adding, "While focusing on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, we will exchange views on regional or international issues."

After the talks, the two ministers plan to announce the results jointly and have lunch together.

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