Peruvian President to President Moon: "I Want to Follow the Decision Made by Korea"

President Moon conveys gratitude to Peru's president for the safe return of our citizens...Peru's president says "Korean technology, especially diagnostic kits, are needed"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Martin Alberto Vizcarra Cornejo, President of Peru, said in a phone call with President Moon Jae-in on the 6th regarding the "novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)" that "Peru is currently facing the most difficult situation, and even more challenging times may lie ahead, so we want to follow the decisions made by Korea," White House spokesperson Kang Min-seok conveyed.

President Vizcarra said, "I congratulate the Korean government for effectively responding and achieving good results. I am well aware that the world is taking Korea's case as a model," adding this. President Moon had a 20-minute phone call starting at 10:30 a.m. at the request of President Vizcarra of Peru on the same day.

President Moon expressed special gratitude for the safe return of about 200 Korean nationals who remained in Peru last month on the 28th through a chartered flight, made possible with the cooperation of the Peruvian government.

President Moon said, "Since some of our nationals have not yet returned, I ask for your continued attention and support," and added, "I also request special care for the safety and health of about 1,300 overseas Koreans residing in Peru."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Vizcarra responded, "We are currently consulting with the Korean Embassy in Peru to enable Korean nationals staying in Peru to return to their home country as soon as possible if they wish," and said, "The Peruvian government will also make its best efforts to ensure the safety and health of Korean overseas nationals."

President Vizcarra said, "Just as Korea has actively responded from the beginning, Peru believes that conducting a large number of rapid diagnostic tests is the most effective approach, but for that, we need Korea's technology, especially diagnostic kits," adding, "If you pay special attention, Mr. President, Peru will be able to achieve results comparable to Korea."

Spokesperson Kang explained, "President Vizcarra said he would like to share not only medical supplies such as diagnostic kits but also Korea's experience, technology, and know-how related to COVID-19."

President Moon said, "Peru has been a friendly ally that has steadily developed a cooperative relationship with us since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1963," and added, "Especially since the FTA between the two countries came into effect in 2011, we have become important economic cooperation partners, and Korea values its relationship with Peru."

President Moon emphasized, "I believe that the most important thing in overcoming COVID-19 now is the cooperation and solidarity of the international community. Korea will actively play a role in international cooperation and solidarity. We will actively share our quarantine and treatment experiences and clinical data with the Peruvian government."

President Moon added, "Along with appropriate support for the requested items (treatment experience, clinical data, diagnostic kit support, etc.), I will also pay attention to ensure practical support as much as possible for medical devices that Peru is known to be willing to purchase."

In response, President Vizcarra expressed gratitude, saying, "Your good words are hope for Peru."

Spokesperson Kang explained, "The two heads of state agreed to further strengthen cooperation in various fields, including health, based on this COVID-19 response collaboration."