President Trump: "Please Support Medical Equipment for Han"... "US FDA to Approve Today" (Comprehensive)

President Moon Jae-in Talks with President Trump on COVID-19 Response... Further Discussion at G20 Special Video Summit

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump requested support for South Korea's medical equipment related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) during a phone call with President Moon Jae-in. In particular, President Trump expressed his intention to "take immediate action so that approval can be granted today" regarding the U.S. FDA approval process.

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated on the 24th, "President Moon Jae-in had a phone call with U.S. President Trump from 10:00 PM to 10:23 PM for 23 minutes," adding, "The two leaders shared concerns about the international spread of COVID-19 during the call and exchanged views on cooperation measures between the two countries to overcome it."

Spokesperson Kang said, "President Trump asked if South Korea could support medical equipment for the U.S. response to COVID-19, and President Moon replied, 'If there is surplus domestically, we will support as much as possible.'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang explained, "However, when President Moon explained that 'U.S. FDA approval procedures may be necessary,' President Trump said, 'I will take immediate action so that approval can be granted today.'"

President Trump showed interest in South Korea's COVID-19 confirmed cases situation and praised, "You are doing very well." The two leaders agreed that the currency swap agreement between Korea and the U.S. was a very timely measure contributing to the stability of the international financial market. They also exchanged views on the issue of postponing the Tokyo Olympics.

President Moon said, "At the G20 special video summit to be held the day after tomorrow, it is important for the leaders to send a united message on both quarantine and the economy. I hope that international cooperation measures such as trade activation and guaranteeing the activities of businesspeople within the scope that does not hinder each country's quarantine activities can be discussed in depth so that the negative impact on the global economy can be minimized."

Spokesperson Kang said, "President Trump also agreed with this and responded, 'Let's have a good discussion at the G20 special video summit,' ending the call. This call was made at President Trump's urgent proposal."