Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "Over 100 Countries Request Export and Support of Diagnostic Kits to Korea"

Defense Cost Negotiations: South Korea and US Maintain Close Communication... Foreign Ministry "Doing Our Best Until the End"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] It is reported that the number of countries requesting export or support of items related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) diagnostic kits from Korea has reached about 100 countries.

On the 26th, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "There are about 50 countries that want to export diagnostic kits and about 50 countries requesting support," adding, "It is expected to increase further."

Earlier, on the 24th, U.S. President Donald Trump requested support for Korean medical equipment related to 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 by the U.S. FDA can be granted today" regarding the FDA approval process.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, said, "President Trump asked whether Korea could support medical equipment for the U.S. COVID-19 response, and President Moon replied, 'If there is surplus domestically, we will support as much as possible.'" President Moon also directly mentioned this, stating, "President Trump also urgently requested support for quarantine supplies such as diagnostic kits."

Canada also requested Korean companies to supply quarantine supplies. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said during a call with President Moon, "I hope to facilitate dialogue between Canadian and Korean health authorities," adding, "We have requested quarantine supplies from Korean companies, and Canada will continue to increase medical equipment production to help other countries in the mid to long term."

Aside from the temporary flights arranged to transport overseas Koreans returning from Peru and Italy this week and next week, it has been confirmed that there are no additional discussions about deploying temporary flights to other regions.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "We are implementing various support measures suitable for on-site conditions," and added, "Except for the two cases (Italy and Peru), there are no other temporary flights being pursued."

Furthermore, ahead of the unpaid leave implementation for Korean workers employed by the U.S. Forces Korea starting next month on the 1st, both Korea and the U.S. sides are continuing non-face-to-face negotiations until the last moment.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained, "Communication between the two sides is being conducted closely through embassies, etc.," and added, "Since there are various communication methods between representatives, we are making every effort until the end to come up with a satisfactory solution."