President Moon Calls Chancellor Merkel, Requests Support for Yoo Myung-hee at WTO

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of German Unification on the 3rd
Merkel: "Well Aware of Koreans' Dream of Unification"
"Great Interest in K-Quarantine That Has Prevented COVID Spread"

President Moon Jae-in

On the afternoon of the 1st, President Moon Jae-in had a 20-minute phone call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and said, "I ask for your interest and support for Korea's Yoo Myung-hee, the Chief Trade Negotiator, who is running for the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)."

In this call held ahead of the 30th anniversary of German reunification on the 3rd, President Moon congratulated Chancellor Merkel, saying, "I sincerely congratulate you on the 30th anniversary of German reunification," according to Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok.

During the call, President Moon said, "Korea has grown within the free trade order and firmly believes that the protection and development of the multilateral trading system must be centered on the WTO," adding, "Chief Yoo has the vision and capability to realize this belief and is the best candidate to develop the WTO and restore trust."

In response, Chancellor Merkel replied, "I see Korea's candidate Yoo Myung-hee as a capable and professional fit for the position."

Additionally, President Moon said regarding the 30th anniversary of German reunification, "It is a meaningful day that also inspires our people who hope for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula," and extended his congratulations to Chancellor Merkel.

He continued, "As the COVID-19 situation worsens worldwide again, I imagine your concerns are great," and added, "I pay tribute to Germany for being a model in responding to COVID-19 under your leadership. I expect Germany to continue playing a leading role in overcoming the COVID crisis for humanity."

Chancellor Merkel responded, "I have profound feelings about the 30th anniversary of German reunification," and said, "I am well aware of Korea's dream of reunification."

She added, "We wanted to hold a grand event for the 30th anniversary of German reunification, but unfortunately, we could not due to COVID," and mentioned Korea's K-quarantine by saying, "I have great interest in Korea's approach to preventing the spread of COVID."

Finally, President Moon said, "I am pleased to have this call during Korea's greatest holiday, Chuseok," and said, "I look forward to the day when COVID calms down and we can meet in person soon."

Chancellor Merkel replied, "Congratulations on Korea's greatest holiday, Chuseok," and said, "Although it may be late, I hope you enjoy the remaining time and stay healthy."

Meanwhile, direct communication between President Moon and Chancellor Merkel took place for the first time in about two years since their summit meeting in Brussels, Belgium, during the 2018 ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) summit.