[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed concerns regarding vaccination blind spots for overseas mission staff, stating that "53% of overseas missions have either vaccinated or are in the process of vaccinating with vaccines available in the host country."
At a briefing on the 20th, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "As of mid-July, about 100 missions, corresponding to 53% of all countries hosting overseas missions, have vaccinated or are currently vaccinating with vaccines available in the host country."
On the same day, President Moon Jae-in instructed at a Cabinet meeting to "also devise safety measures for nationals in vaccination blind spots, such as overseas mission staff."
The official explained, "In many countries, diplomats and legally residing foreigners are prioritized for vaccination at a level comparable to nationals, so many have been vaccinated. However, in some developing countries, vaccination within the host country is not possible. For such overseas mission staff and their accompanying family members, we are coordinating with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency to allow temporary return to Korea for vaccination."
This measure has reportedly been in effect since last week. The official added, "Given the strict domestic quarantine situation, we will ensure that temporarily returning staff and their families comply with quarantine rules, complete vaccination, and return as quickly as possible."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it conveyed South Korea's position once again this morning to Chinese Ambassador Xing Haiming, who publicly refuted former Prosecutor General and presidential candidate Yoon Seok-youl's remarks regarding the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
Ambassador Xing publicly opposed Yoon's THAAD comments, sparking controversy over 'interference in the presidential election.' In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially stated to Ambassador Xing that "foreign missions should exercise caution in publicly expressing positions on statements made by host country politicians so as not to negatively affect bilateral relations."
The Ministry official said, "On the day the related article was published, we already conveyed our position firmly through diplomatic channels. This morning, a senior official from our Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly communicated our stance to Ambassador Xing once again."
When asked by reporters whether Ambassador Xing was summoned, the official replied only, "We conveyed the message appropriately at an appropriate time and in an appropriate manner."
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