[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently stated that it is willing to cooperate where necessary following Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's remark expressing a desire to "cooperate with South Korea" in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
On the 1st, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "We are aware of Prime Minister Abe's statement," adding that the ministry shares this position. Earlier, on the 29th of last month, Prime Minister Abe stated at the House of Councillors Budget Committee, "South Korea is our neighboring country and an important country," and expressed his wish to "continue cooperating with South Korea in responding to the coronavirus infection."
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "Japan is our close neighbor, and our government intends to cooperate with Japan in necessary areas such as COVID-19 response." Regarding the provision of quarantine supplies, the official added, "At present, our government has neither explored nor received any requests for quarantine supplies support to the Japanese government."
Furthermore, the official explained, "The government has currently formed an inter-ministerial task force called the 'COVID-19 Quarantine Supplies Overseas Expansion Support TF' to respond to inquiries and requests for quarantine supplies support. As domestic conditions ease, we will actively consider the export and humanitarian support of COVID-19 quarantine supplies, taking into account the situations of requesting countries."
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