Estonian President tells President Moon, "Following South Korea's Experience"

President Moon Jae-in Holds Phone Call at Estonia President's Request... President Moon "Thankful for High Praise of Our Quarantine Model"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid said in a phone call with President Moon Jae-in on the 8th, "Estonia is also conducting mass diagnostic testing and carrying out a ‘social distancing’ campaign, following Korea's experience," White House spokesperson Kang Min-seok reported. President Moon had a phone call for about 20 minutes from 3:30 PM at the request of President Kaljulaid on the same day.

President Kaljulaid stated, "Estonia is closely monitoring Korea's successful COVID-19 response process," adding, "We are currently conducting diagnostic tests using Korean-made equipment and are deeply grateful to the Korean government. As long as the COVID-19 situation continues, we would like to keep receiving diagnostic kits."

President Kaljulaid is the youngest president in Estonian history (46 years old at inauguration in 2016) and the first female president of Estonia. She visited Korea in February 2018 during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and held a summit with President Moon. On January 23rd of this year, she also visited the King Sejong Antarctic Research Station.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Kaljulaid told President Moon, "I wanted to hear directly how Korea is responding to COVID-19, so I proposed this call, and I thank you for accepting it."

President Kaljulaid particularly noted, "It was very interesting that Korea's response places more weight on ‘voluntariness’ rather than ‘coercion’," and added, "I would like to refer to Korea's response in the process of resuming economic activities after overcoming the COVID-19 crisis."

President Moon responded, "I am very glad that Korea's experience is helping Estonia's COVID-19 response," and expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you for highly appreciating the achievements of our quarantine model."

President Moon said, "We will actively share our quarantine, treatment, and clinical data with Estonia," and added, "Regarding diagnostic kits and other medical supplies, if you provide specific details through diplomatic channels, we will review how we can assist as much as possible."

President Moon emphasized, "The most important thing in overcoming COVID-19 now is international cooperation and solidarity," and said, "International cooperation is necessary for the development of vaccines and treatments, and we must also work together to restore the weakened global economy."

Meanwhile, Estonia is a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Spokesperson Kang explained, "Estonia, which joined the UN in 1991, recently advanced to the Security Council as a non-permanent member for the first time (term 2020?2021)."

President Moon said, "Korea will play an active role in international solidarity for COVID-19 response, and there will be many opportunities for cooperation with Estonia, a non-permanent member of the Security Council, in responding to COVID-19."

President Moon stated, "Korea and Estonia focus on the bio-pharmaceutical sector and digital economy, and we hope to cooperate more actively after the COVID-19 crisis."

President Moon requested continued interest in the success of the Korean Peninsula peace process by our government. President Kaljulaid stated, "We will continue to support the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula."

Spokesperson Kang explained, "The two leaders exchanged opinions on issues of interest such as expanding defense industry cooperation and promoting the establishment of a resident Estonian diplomatic mission in Korea."