Korea-Qatar Foreign Ministers' Call... Bilateral Economic Cooperation Discussions on LNG Development

Request to Expand Essential Personnel Exchange

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is speaking at a press conference held on the morning of the 2nd at the Government Seoul Office Annex for the domestic press corps. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the afternoon of the 8th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a phone call with Mohamed Al Sani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, to discuss cooperation in response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and economic cooperation between the two countries related to LNG development.

Minister Kang welcomed the successful reservation contract for LNG carrier construction space worth approximately $19.2 billion between the three Korean shipbuilding companies and Qatar Petroleum and requested continued attention to ensure this leads to a formal contract.

Minister Kang evaluated, “This contract is a representative case of a mutually beneficial outcome derived through discussions at the highest level between the two countries and, as announced by the Blue House, it will serve as a signal for both countries to overcome the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.”

In response, Minister Mohamed stated that the contract is a very symbolic achievement in LNG cooperation between the two countries and emphasized the need to strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations.

Additionally, Minister Kang expressed gratitude for Qatar Airways’ temporary flights and direct routes that supported the safe return of Korean nationals and for allowing exceptions for the entry of Korean businesspeople, while requesting an expansion of essential personnel exchanges. Minister Mohamed replied that he would gladly support Korean nationals and businesspeople if possible and noted that the recent easing of the increase in confirmed cases in Qatar would allow the resumption of personnel exchanges soon.

Following this, Minister Kang highly praised Qatar for maintaining a low mortality rate and the recent decrease in new confirmed cases, expressing hope that Korean medical supplies would be helpful. In the first half of the year, exports of approximately $7 million worth of domestically produced specimen collection kits, diagnostic kits, and diagnostic devices were made.

Minister Mohamed expressed gratitude for being able to share Korea’s know-how in responding to COVID-19 and suggested actively expanding health cooperation between the two countries.

The two ministers agreed to continue multilateral cooperation not only through bilateral efforts but also via groups such as the “UN Health Security Friendly Group” to overcome COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Minister Kang requested support for Yoo Myung-hee, Director-General for Trade Negotiations, in the upcoming WTO Director-General election, and Minister Mohamed responded that the Korean candidate’s outstanding capabilities would make it a very good opportunity.