Minister Kang Kyung-wha Holds Video Conference with Wuhan Consulate General... Discusses Repatriation Support and Patient Response Measures

Inspection of Safety Measures for Korean Nationals Staying in Wuhan, China, Sharing Related Situations, and Discussion of Countermeasures

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 24th that it held a video conference with the Consulate General in Wuhan, chaired by Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, to review safety measures for Korean nationals staying in Wuhan amid the rapid increase in novel coronavirus infection cases.

Minister Kang, noting the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus in China and the de facto lockdown of Wuhan by the Chinese government, acknowledged the growing concerns of Korean nationals residing there and reviewed safety assurance measures, urging the preparation of related countermeasures.

Minister Kang confirmed that among approximately 500 Korean nationals staying in Wuhan, there are currently no confirmed or suspected infection cases. He listened to the difficulties faced by the local Korean community and discussed support plans for their return to Korea as well as response measures in case of patient occurrence among Korean nationals in Wuhan.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of close cooperation with Chinese authorities for the repatriation and treatment of Korean nationals and stressed the need to devise multifaceted support measures through close consultations with local authorities.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "We will continuously monitor the situation of Korean nationals residing in China and, in close coordination with related ministries such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, continue efforts to ensure the safety of our nationals on site."