President Moon: "Korea-Israel Vaccine Exchange, a Model Case of International Cooperation"

Phone Call with Israeli Prime Minister, Exchange of Views on COVID-19 Cooperation... "Many Opportunities for Collaboration as a Technology Innovation Power"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the afternoon of the 16th, President Moon Jae-in, during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, said, "In a situation where the timing of vaccine supply differs by country, the vaccine exchange between Korea and Israel is a model case of international cooperation," and added, "I hope that cooperation in the vaccine sector between the two countries will become more active."

Park Kyung-mi, spokesperson for the Blue House, explained in a written briefing that "(President Moon and the Israeli Prime Minister) exchanged opinions on mutual interests such as cooperation in responding to COVID-19, including vaccine exchange, and practical cooperation between the two countries," and added, "This call was the first between the two heads of state since Prime Minister Bennett took office (June 13)."

President Moon said, "The 700,000 doses of vaccines provided by Israel have been utilized for domestic vaccinations starting this week," and added, "The vaccine exchange will serve as a catalyst to deepen the friendship and trust between the two countries."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Bennett said, "I am glad that the two countries can help each other through vaccines," and evaluated, "Korea is a model case that has managed the COVID crisis well from the beginning under the leadership of the President."

Prime Minister Bennett said, "If you recommend Korean quarantine experts, I would like to learn from Korea's experience," and added, "Since COVID-19, including the Delta variant, will continue for a considerable period, I will refer to how Korea responded."

President Moon said, "Korea has been relatively successful in quarantine, and Israel is a country that has set an example in vaccination, so if we share each other's experiences, we will be able to respond better to COVID-19."

Prime Minister Bennett said, "Israel and Korea are strong countries in technological innovation and there is much room for cooperation," and added, "It would be a great honor if President Moon visits Israel at a convenient time." President Moon expressed his gratitude for the invitation.

President Moon said, "When the Israeli parliament approved the coalition government last month, I was impressed by the Prime Minister's emphasis on overcoming division and unification," and added, "I hope the new government stabilizes quickly and leads the administration smoothly."

Spokesperson Park explained, "Both leaders concluded the call by agreeing that Korea and Israel are both facing difficulties due to the spread of COVID-19, and that they will overcome it together through strengthening cooperation in quarantine and health."