5th Korea-US Foreign Ministers' Meeting Discusses Korean Peninsula Situation and COVID-19 Response Cooperation

Lab British Foreign Secretary Visits Korea... Also Visits DMZ

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 29th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held the 5th Korea-UK Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, discussing the situation on the Korean Peninsula as well as cooperation in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Before the strategic dialogue with Foreign Secretary Raab at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Minister Kang stated, "Our government has been striving for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, focusing on North Korea-related issues," and expressed gratitude for "the UK's unwavering support in this regard."

She also mentioned that the two countries have cooperative relations in various fields such as economy and finance. In particular, Minister Kang expressed appreciation for the messages delivered to Korea by Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the UK during the 70th anniversary event of the outbreak of the Korean War on June 6.

Minister Kang said, "The UK is an important partner in all fields including trade, finance, and culture," and added, "We have ministerial-level consultative bodies to advance bilateral relations in all areas."

In response, Foreign Secretary Raab said, "I hope to cooperate closely with Korea in areas such as climate change, the security threats we face, and COVID-19 vaccine development." This was his first visit to Korea since becoming Foreign Secretary in July.

Regarding his visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Foreign Secretary Raab said, "The DMZ visit was very educational and reminded me that our two countries fought together for common values." He visited the DMZ shortly after arriving in Korea early that morning.

The two ministers discussed bilateral issues including cooperation on COVID-19 vaccine development, post-Brexit bilateral relations, and the P4G Summit. The Korea-UK Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue has been ongoing since 2014.