Minister Kang Kyung-wha Holds Talks with UAE Foreign Minister... Agreement on Specific Procedures for 'Fast-Track Entry System'

Foreign Minister Abdullah Delivers Letter from Crown Prince Mohamed Commemorating 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Fast-Track Entry System to Be Implemented Once Both Countries Complete Domestic Procedures

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 10th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held talks with Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to discuss responses to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation after COVID-19.

Minister Abdullah mentioned, "The first country I am visiting after COVID-19 is South Korea," to which Minister Kang responded, "The UAE was the first country visited by our government’s first delegation after COVID-19, and Minister Abdullah was also the first foreign minister to visit Korea," adding, "The two countries have always maintained proactive cooperation, serving as a model of solidarity and cooperation between nations."

Minister Abdullah also delivered a letter from Crown Prince Mohamed to our president in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Minister Kang emphasized that since the Barakah nuclear power project plays a pivotal role in bilateral relations, the UAE side should pay special attention to the safety and health of workers on site. Furthermore, the two ministers agreed to continue close cooperation not only in COVID-19 response areas such as vaccine development and quarantine but also in future cooperation fields after COVID-19, including health, food security, and science and technology.

Minister Abdullah stated, "We highly appreciate South Korea’s response to COVID-19, and Korea’s measures serve as a model for the UAE," and requested sharing Korea’s experiences related to education, such as online classes, school attendance, and school quarantine measures.

He added, "Although Expo 2020 Dubai has been postponed to next year, we expect Korea’s unwavering contribution." In response, Minister Kang said, "We intend to closely consult with the UAE side to ensure the successful hosting of Expo Dubai next year and will provide all possible support." The two sides also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East, particularly discussing the rapidly changing international relations triggered by COVID-19.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of Minister Abdullah’s visit to Korea, specific procedures related to the expedited entry system, which was agreed upon during Deputy Minister Kim Geon’s visit to the UAE last month, were finalized. The expedited entry system will be implemented as soon as both countries complete domestic procedures. The UAE side ensured that Minister Abdullah’s visit was conducted safely for both parties by having the entire delegation quarantine for 14 days before departure and submit negative COVID-19 (PCR) test certificates in advance. The visit schedule was minimized to only the foreign minister talks, and strong quarantine measures were independently implemented.