President Moon "Looking Forward to Visiting Korea"... Putin "I Will Get the Russian Vaccine Before Going"

South Korea-Russia Leaders Hold 35-Minute Phone Call
Discuss Korean Peninsula Situation, COVID-19 Cooperation, Bilateral Friendship
Putin "Highly Praises K-Quarantine... Cooperation for Peace Efforts"
Moon Urges Russian Support for Yoo Myung-hee's WTO Director-General Candidacy

President Moon Jae-in is speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the afternoon of the 28th at the Blue House.

President Moon Jae-in held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 28th, exchanging broad opinions on ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries and mutual interests such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The two leaders spoke for 35 minutes starting at 4:30 p.m. on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Russia, the Blue House announced.

During the call, President Moon emphasized the importance of solidarity and cooperation to overcome COVID-19, saying, "I hope close cooperation between the two countries will be achieved in the development and equitable distribution of treatments and vaccines necessary for the complete eradication of COVID-19." He also requested Russia's participation in the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), headquartered in Seoul.

In response, President Putin said, "I highly appreciate Korea's COVID-19 response achievements, and Korea's quarantine measures left a very strong impression due to their high standards." He added significance to the recent agreement to resume regular flights between the two countries, stating, "We are ready to cooperate closely with Korea in responding to COVID-19." Regarding the request to participate in IVI, he replied, "We will have our health authorities review it."

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon said, "Despite difficult conditions, Korea will continue efforts for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace," asking for Russia's constructive role and support.

President Putin evaluated the Korean government's efforts to normalize inter-Korean relations and expressed hope for the resumption of dialogue among relevant parties, saying, "We are ready to continue cooperating in efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula."

President Moon then said, "I look forward to President Putin's visit to Korea once the COVID-19 situation stabilizes so that we can have in-depth discussions on the development of bilateral relations."

President Putin responded, "I will visit Korea," adding, "I will receive the Russian-made vaccine myself before coming."

Additionally, President Moon introduced Yoo Myung-hee, a candidate running for the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), as "the best candidate for the development of the WTO with expertise and leadership in the trade field," requesting Russia's support.

President Putin agreed with the high evaluation of Director-General Yoo, saying, "Let us cooperate to overcome current protectionism and restore trust in the WTO."