Minister Kang Kyung-wha "Jordan's Entry Ban on Koreans Without Prior Consultation Regrettable"

Korea-Jordan Foreign Ministers Meeting in Berlin, Germany... Jordan Foreign Minister "Will Consult Closely with Korean Side"
Exchanged Views on P4G Summit Hosting Plans and More

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 25th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held talks with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Hussein Al Safadi in Berlin, Germany, expressing regret over Jordan's announcement of a ban on entry for Korean nationals without prior consultation regarding COVID-19.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Minister Kang provided a comprehensive and transparent briefing on the government's COVID-19 response status and expressed regret over the recent announcement by the Jordanian government banning entry of our nationals without any prior notice or consultation. She requested a careful reconsideration of this and asked for maximum cooperation in case situations such as quarantine of our nationals arise in the future."

In response, Minister Al Safadi stated that support such as arranging flights was provided to ensure the safe return of Korean travelers and promised to continue close communication and consultation with the Korean side to make the best efforts in support. The Jordanian government announced on the 23rd that it would ban entry of foreigners who have not passed 14 days since departing from Korea, China, or Iran.

As a result of this announcement, 53 Korean nationals were quarantined at airports in Jordan; however, 34 departed at 1:25 AM (local time) on the 25th, and 19 departed at 2:05 PM (local time).

Meanwhile, Minister Kang also exchanged views with Minister Al Safadi on plans to hold the P4G Summit. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Minister Kang explained the 2nd P4G Summit scheduled to be held in Seoul this June and requested that Jordan, a representative GGGI member country in the Middle East, attend and share its vision for sustainable development." The official added, "Minister Al Safadi evaluated Korea's efforts to address climate change and responded that Jordan would consider attending the P4G Summit."

Furthermore, the two ministers evaluated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, Korea and Jordan have closely developed their alliance and have cooperated closely on the international stage.

They especially agreed on the great potential for cooperation based on their common experience of achieving economic development under conditions of scarce natural resources and difficult security environments, and decided to explore possibilities for enhancing practical cooperation between the two countries in areas such as energy and water resources.