Discussion on Responding to COVID-19 Health and Economic Crisis
Exchange of Views on G7 Expansion Issues
Australian Prime Minister "Hopes to Visit Australia Next Year"
President Moon Jae-in is having a phone conversation with Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, at the Yeomin Building of the Blue House on the afternoon of the 14th. On the 14th, President Moon Jae-in had a phone call with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss cooperation measures between the two countries to overcome the health and economic crises related to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The call lasted 35 minutes at the request of Prime Minister Morrison, and White House spokesperson Kang Min-seok stated in a written briefing that it was the first phone call between the two leaders in four months since April 7.
During the call, Prime Minister Morrison said, "South Korea has responded very successfully to COVID-19 and has blocked confirmed cases," adding, "Australia has also referred to South Korea's exemplary response."
President Moon replied, "Thank you for the positive evaluation," and added, "Sporadic infections are still occurring, so we are not letting our guard down."
Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to cooperate on the development and supply of COVID-19 vaccines. President Moon requested Australia's participation in the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an international organization based in South Korea, and Prime Minister Morrison responded that he would consider it positively.
President Moon acknowledged Australia's leading role in responding to COVID-19 in the South Pacific region and said, "I also appreciate the Australian government allowing our businesspeople to enter under strict quarantine measures for essential economic activities."
They also exchanged views on MIKTA (Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, Australia), which is celebrating its 8th year since its launch with Korea as the chair country this year, and on the issue of expanding the G7.
Spokesperson Kang conveyed that the two leaders agreed that if Korea and Australia participate together, it would maintain the existing G7 identity while enhancing the regional representation of the G7 and contributing to addressing various global issues in the post-COVID era.
President Moon also expressed to Prime Minister Morrison his expectation for Australia's support for Yoo Myung-hee, a candidate running for the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
President Moon thanked Prime Minister Morrison for expressing support for peace and stability in the Republic of Korea through a video message at the 70th anniversary event of the Korean War and requested that the Australian government continue to support South Korea's efforts for complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Prime Minister Morrison said, "I hope President Moon can visit Australia on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Korea-Australia diplomatic relations in 2021," and President Moon expressed gratitude for the invitation, replying, "I look forward to visiting Australia at an appropriate time to strengthen bilateral relations."
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