Cheong Wa Dae Explains President Moon's European Tour Results... "The Very Holding of Multilateral Face-to-Face Summit Diplomacy Is Highly Significant"
[Spain (Barcelona) = Joint Press Corps] On the 17th (local time), the Blue House evaluated the achievements of President Moon Jae-in's European tour, stating, "We were able to confirm the change in our country's status through the eyes of other countries," and added, "It shows that we are shifting from a position of accepting international rules to participating in making those rules."
The Blue House hinted that President Moon's foreign tour schedule will continue, noting the completion of the first multilateral face-to-face diplomatic engagements since COVID-19. A Blue House official said, "Face-to-face summit diplomacy is gradually resuming and becoming full-fledged," and added, "Although the number of attendants and staff was significantly limited compared to the past, the very fact that a multilateral face-to-face summit was held is very meaningful."
At the Korean press corps press center set up in Barcelona, Spain, the Blue House official explained, "We believe there is room to actively promote face-to-face diplomacy more than before in our future summit diplomacy," and added, "We are continuously reviewing schedules for multilateral meetings and bilateral visits." The Blue House plans to announce President Moon's tour schedule after coordination with the counterpart countries.
The Blue House also attributed significance to the outcomes of the G7 Summit and the state visits to Austria and Spain.
A Blue House official evaluated, "At the G7 Summit discussions, we actively participated in addressing global issues such as health and climate change, and by playing a practical role and contributing to resolving these issues, we elevated our diplomatic horizon to a higher level."
Regarding the state visit to Austria, the Blue House official stated, "The visit to Austria was the first-ever visit by our president to Austria in 129 years since establishing diplomatic relations," and added, "Ahead of the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, the state visit to Austria elevated the relationship to a strategic partnership."
About the state visit to Spain, the Blue House official said, "It was the first state visit Spain has received since COVID-19," and evaluated, "(Through joint statements, etc.) a foundation was laid for strengthening comprehensive relations with Spain, a core member of the EU and a traditional ally."
The Blue House also explained the relations with China and Japan. A Blue House official said, "Our government has approached the meeting between the Korea-Japan leaders with an open attitude, but it is regrettable that no meeting took place except for greetings exchanged at the G7 Summit venue."
Regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea, the Blue House official stated, "As far as we know, President Xi has not visited any foreign country since the outbreak of COVID-19," and added, "We expect that consultations regarding President Xi's visit to Korea may be concretized depending on the development of the COVID-19 situation."
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