"Comprehensive Support Measures for Afghans... Deep Condolences for Kabul Airport Terror Attack" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in praised the efforts of those who completed the domestic transfer of Afghan collaborators and announced plans to establish comprehensive support measures for the transferred collaborators. Regarding the Kabul airport terror attack, he expressed condolences and condemnation, and stated his intention to continue efforts for peace in Afghanistan.

On the afternoon of the 30th, President Moon presided over a senior secretaries meeting at the Blue House and said, "The success of the transfer operation and the open and inclusive attitude of our people are highly regarded by the international community."

President Moon stated, "I proudly commend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the military, and other related personnel who successfully completed the mission with a swift and well-coordinated operation," adding, "I also deeply thank the residents of Jincheon and the public who warmly welcomed the Afghans staying in our country as special contributors."

President Moon noted that this is the first time in our diplomatic history that foreigners from a conflict zone have been transferred and settled on a large scale according to our will, and said, "I hope this will serve as an opportunity for us to develop as a country with dignity that fulfills humanitarian responsibilities as an advanced human rights nation, helping and embracing people from difficult countries."

He also reminded that Korea has experienced hardships such as colonization, war, and poverty in its modern history, emphasizing, "I hope you will extend an open heart and warm hands to the Afghans who must start a new life in an unfamiliar land," and stated, "The government will pay special attention to creating an educational environment for children and prepare comprehensive support measures so that they can adapt well and live in our society."

Regarding the Kabul airport bombing, he said, "I deeply regret the loss of many lives and send my sincere condolences," adding, "The government strongly condemns this inhumane criminal act that cannot be tolerated for any reason, and will continue efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan together with the international community."

On the recent vaccine and quarantine situation, he said, "If we do not let down our guard in quarantine, although the number of confirmed cases may not decrease rapidly, there is hope that the spread can gradually diminish," and expressed optimism that "the goal of 70% of the entire population receiving the first dose before Chuseok and the second dose by the end of October can be fully achieved."

Furthermore, he anticipated that lowering the vaccination age to 12 and additional vaccinations for the unvaccinated would bring the vaccination rate close to 80%. President Moon said, "Booster shots will also begin promptly for high-risk groups and will be expanded sequentially," adding, "We will work with full force with the goal of advancing the time for the recovery of daily life by even one day."

He also stated that measures to stabilize people’s livelihoods ahead of Chuseok will be carried out without delay. President Moon emphasized, "The second supplementary budget projects are being executed quickly, and the national support fund of 250,000 won per person will be distributed starting next week," adding, "Earned income tax credits and child tax credits for low-income working households have also been advanced by more than a month, with payments beginning for 4.68 million households averaging 1.14 million won per household."

He also announced measures to ease the burden on small business owners and SMEs, such as extensions of tax payment deadlines and additional extensions of social insurance premium payment deferrals, as well as support for vulnerable groups’ livelihoods and strengthened tailored support for marginalized groups. President Moon said, "We will establish special quarantine measures for Chuseok to maintain a flawless quarantine and medical response system," and added, "We will do our best to make this Chuseok a generous and warm holiday that brings warmth to the livelihoods of ordinary people and the local economy."

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