Kang Kyung-wha Holds Korea-China Foreign Ministers Meeting in Munich, Germany... "Xi Jinping's Visit to Korea in the First Half of the Year as Previously Agreed"

Request for Cooperation to Protect Overseas Koreans and Businesses in China
Reaffirmation of Korea-China Cooperation Willingness for Substantial Progress in the Korean Peninsula Peace Process

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Kang Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea, who is visiting Munich, Germany to attend the 'Munich Security Conference,' held talks with Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, on the 15th (local time). They exchanged views on mutual concerns including communication and cooperation in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), interchanges between South Korean and Chinese heads of state and high-level officials, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. This was the 10th meeting since Minister Kang took office.

Minister Kang first expressed condolences to the victims of the recent COVID-19 outbreak in China and wished for the situation to be resolved quickly and smoothly through the active response of the Chinese government and people. She also requested continued cooperation from the Chinese side to protect South Korean nationals and businesses in China.

In response, Foreign Minister Wang explained the comprehensive response efforts by the Chinese leadership, government, and people regarding the COVID-19 situation. He expressed gratitude for the various support provided by the South Korean government and private sector and stated that China would maintain close communication and cooperation with South Korea throughout the response process.

Furthermore, the two ministers agreed to conduct close consultations on this year’s planned exchanges at the head-of-state and high-level levels to further solidify the foundation of friendship and relationship development between South Korea and China.

They particularly reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation between South Korea and China for substantive progress in the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. They agreed to continue close communication at all levels and to jointly explore various cooperative projects that can benefit the peoples of both countries through close discussions between the relevant authorities, aiming for this year’s head-of-state and high-level exchanges to serve as a stepping stone for advancing South Korea-China relations.

After the bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Wang, Minister Kang told reporters, "We confirmed that there is no change in the plan to proceed with President Xi’s visit to South Korea as coordinated by both sides," adding, "It will take place in the first half of the year as previously agreed." However, she noted that the specific date still requires further coordination.

Meanwhile, Minister Kang requested China’s participation in the P4G Summit hosted by South Korea in June. Foreign Minister Wang responded that the proposal would be seriously considered.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "This meeting was the 10th between the South Korean and Chinese foreign ministers since Minister Kang took office and the first communication between the two ministers in about two weeks since their phone call on January 28." The official added, "At a time when cooperation between South Korea and China on urgent issues such as COVID-19 response is crucial, this meeting is evaluated as an opportunity to actively continue and strengthen close strategic communication between the two countries’ high-level officials."