President Moon: "Expanding Practical Cooperation with Latin American Countries... Sequential Dispatch of Cooperation Delegations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in held a virtual summit with the member countries of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and announced plans to expand practical cooperation with these countries. As part of this effort, he stated that digital and eco-friendly cooperation delegations will be dispatched sequentially, and the establishment of a permanent cooperation body is also being considered.

On the morning of the 25th, President Moon held the "4th Korea-SICA Summit" with the leaders of the eight SICA member countries and the Secretary-General of SICA, stating, "We will strengthen the institutional cooperation foundation between Korea and SICA member countries for sustainable and inclusive economic recovery."

President Moon said, "To this end, cooperation delegations in various fields including agriculture, digital, and eco-friendly sectors will be dispatched sequentially to several member countries," and added, "We will also consider establishing a permanent cooperation body called the 'Korea-SICA Cooperation Center' in Korea."

He continued, "I hope to strengthen practical cooperation through the mutual linkage of SICA member countries' sustainable economic development strategies and Korea's New Deal," expressing expectations that the Korea-Central America five-country Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into effect last March, will contribute to job creation.

He also announced support measures for the SICA region. President Moon said, "We will reorganize the Korea-SICA Cooperation Fund to jointly overcome the urgent challenges faced by member countries such as natural disasters, healthcare, and food security," and added, "We will further strengthen international health cooperation to ensure equitable vaccine distribution for all countries, including SICA member states."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

SICA, considered the EU of Central and South America, comprises eight countries: Costa Rica, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador. This meeting was held for the first time in 11 years since the 3rd summit and marks the first multilateral summit within the Central and South American region under the Moon administration.

President Alvarado of Costa Rica, the chair country, said, "Korea and SICA share values and strategies," adding, "Korea is the most innovative country in the world, and SICA should learn from Korea's innovation. We are pleased to cooperate as strategic partners."

Prime Minister Brice?o of Belize emphasized, "To resolve economic inequality, sustainable and inclusive recovery measures are necessary, and focus should be placed on utilizing scientific and technological advancements," expressing expectations for Korea's global leadership and role.

President Giammattei of Guatemala recalled the "60th anniversary of Korea-Guatemala diplomatic relations" and responded, "Following the Korea-Central America FTA with five countries, Guatemala also wishes to establish an FTA."

President Cortizo of Panama stated, "Korea is an important strategic partner in strengthening Panama's competitiveness," and President Abinader of the Dominican Republic said, "Korea's Digital New Deal and Green New Deal share commonalities with Central America's digital and green transitions for sustainable development."

Vice President Ulloa of El Salvador said, "Korea was the first important partner country to support El Salvador during the COVID-19 crisis, and we hope bilateral relations will be strengthened," while Chief Minister Madero of Honduras expressed gratitude for cooperation in hurricane damage relief last year.

Minister Sol?rzano of Nicaragua said, "The Republic of Korea is a brotherly country, and we maintain a strong relationship based on solidarity and friendship."

The leaders adopted the "Korea-SICA Summit Joint Declaration" reflecting the outcomes of this virtual summit, and President Moon concluded his closing remarks with the phrase "Juntos Podemos!" (Together we can!).

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