President Moon requests support for Yoo Myung-hee from Kazakhstan President, a 'key partner in the New Northern Policy'

President Moon's Phone Call with Kazakhstan President...Kazakh President "General Hong Beom-do's Remains Are Ready for Repatriation"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 22nd, President Moon Jae-in appealed for support for Yoo Myung-hee, the Chief Negotiator for Trade, who advanced to the final round of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General election, during a phone call with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated on the 22nd, "President Moon had a phone call with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, from 5:30 PM today."

President Moon said, "It is very important that the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) be a candidate with the capability and vision to restore trust in the multilateral trading system."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Spokesperson Kang explained, "We requested support from Kazakhstan, a key country in our New Northern Policy, for Chief Negotiator Yoo Myung-hee."

In particular, President Moon emphasized that Chief Negotiator Yoo is the candidate who can successfully mediate the sharp interests between developed and developing countries and carry out WTO reform.

Spokesperson Kang conveyed, "President Tokayev, who prioritizes the success of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan next year, welcomed our candidate’s advancement to the final round and said he understands that Yoo is receiving broad support from many countries. He expressed his hope for Yoo Myung-hee’s success in the final round."

Furthermore, President Tokayev said, "We are ready to repatriate the remains of General Hong Beom-do," and added, "I hope to hold a repatriation ceremony for General Hong Beom-do in Korea once the COVID-19 situation calms down."

In response, President Moon said, "I once again thank President Tokayev for his decision to repatriate General Hong Beom-do’s remains. I look forward to holding a repatriation commemorative ceremony when the President visits Korea."

Meanwhile, President Moon plans to make another phone call with Sebasti?n Pi?era, President of the Republic of Chile, from 8:30 PM today to request support for Chief Negotiator Yoo.

Spokesperson Kang said, "Up to today, President Moon has spoken with 13 heads of state (including President Pi?era and five countries in the second round) to support Chief Negotiator Yoo," and explained, "Country consultations to elect the WTO Director-General will continue in Geneva, Switzerland, until the 27th (local time). Based on the results of these consultations, the next Director-General will be decided by ‘consensus.’"