Minister Kang Kyung-wha Holds Video Conference with Chinese Embassy Heads on 'COVID-19'... New Consul General Kang Seung-seok in Wuhan Also Attends

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a video conference with heads of diplomatic missions in China on the 19th to assess the COVID-19 situation in China and discuss measures to protect overseas nationals and support Korean companies operating there.

Minister Kang has previously held video conferences with the Consulate General in Wuhan on January 24 and February 12, and has regularly conducted necessary consultations via video meetings with Ambassador Jang Ha-sung, the Ambassador to China.

The meeting was attended by heads of all diplomatic missions in China, including the Embassy in China and eight consulates general, as well as officials from related departments involved in COVID-19 response.

Also attending the meeting was Kang Seung-seok, the newly appointed Consul General in Wuhan, who was en route to the post on a special cargo flight transporting relief supplies to the Wuhan area.

The heads of missions reported on the COVID-19 situation in their respective jurisdictions and discussed activities to protect overseas nationals, including the provision of quarantine supplies to overseas nationals and real-time information notifications related to COVID-19.

They also shared updates on close cooperation with Chinese authorities to ensure smooth operations of Korean companies and their Chinese partners affected by COVID-19. The heads of missions exchanged views on the status of relief supplies sent to China, noting that the Chinese side has expressed gratitude for such support.

Minister Kang stated, "The government is prioritizing the safety of its citizens and is fully committed to responding to COVID-19," and urged, "Please do your best to prevent the spread of infection, protect our overseas nationals, and support Korean companies in China."

She added, "In overcoming this crisis, each mission should strengthen communication with the central and local Chinese governments to minimize the impact on Korea-China government relations and the friendship between the two peoples, and actively carry out public diplomacy efforts within China."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to continue closely communicating with missions in China to thoroughly monitor the COVID-19 situation and strive to protect overseas nationals and ensure the smooth operation of Korean companies abroad.