Government Proposes Joint Stockpiling System for Medical Quarantine Supplies to US, China, and Japan

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 28th that it discussed practical cooperation projects at the 3rd video conference of the 'Northeast Asia Disease Control and Health Cooperation Body' held on the 27th.

The meeting was attended by foreign and health officials from the governments of six countries: Korea, the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and Mongolia, as well as representatives from embassies in Korea.

Korea proposed an early establishment of a 'joint stockpile system for medical quarantine supplies' among participating countries to promptly respond to urgent demands for quarantine supplies in the event of future emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

They emphasized the need to develop joint education and training programs related to infectious disease response and proposed holding an expert video conference in the second half of the year to identify specific demands for joint education and training.

In response, the participating countries generally expressed agreement and decided to continue consultations on the details.

The attendees also shared the recognition that North Korea's future participation in the cooperation body is important for strengthening joint responses and cooperation on regional cross-border health security issues.

The Northeast Asia Disease Control and Health Cooperation Body is a regional cooperation initiative launched in December last year, led by Korea, to respond to cross-border health security issues including COVID-19.

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