Prime Minister Johnson Congratulates "Korea's Effective Quarantine Management and Rapid Vaccination"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in held a summit meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on the 20th (local time) during his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly being held in New York, USA.
This meeting, requested by the British side, was held about 100 days after the Korea-UK summit held during the G7 summit in June.
President Moon said, "Through attending the G7 summit, the Republic of Korea has established itself as a responsible member of the international community," and added, "I once again thank the Prime Minister for his warm hospitality." He also expressed condolences on the passing of Mrs. Charlotte Johnson, saying, "Remembering Mrs. Charlotte, I wish her eternal peace and rest."
President Moon emphasized, "The UK led the way in addressing climate issues by passing the world's first 'Climate Change Act' in 2008," and added, "I hope the UK will set an example by leveraging its potential to achieve both climate change response and growth."
Regarding the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) to be held in the UK this November, he said, "It will be an opportunity to take a step forward for the coexistence of humanity," and added, "Korea is preparing to announce an enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target compared to before. Korea will always stand together as a partner of the UK."
Prime Minister Johnson responded, "Thank you for President Moon's remarks," and stated, "I look forward to Korea setting a very good 2030 NDC target." He also evaluated that Korea has the best conditions for climate change response utilizing technology.
Prime Minister Johnson said, "Decarbonization is not as painful as people think. We reduced emissions by 40% in 2012," and expressed expectations for Korea's cooperation in decarbonization.
He also mentioned COVID-19 prevention and vaccines. Johnson said, "I am very pleased that vaccine exchanges between Korea and the UK are underway," and added, "I congratulate Korea again for managing prevention well and for the rapid vaccination rollout." He urged the swift promotion of the Korea-UK basic framework.
During the meeting, the two leaders broadly exchanged views on ▲ bilateral relations and practical cooperation ▲ global issues such as climate change and COVID-19 response ▲ the Korean Peninsula and regional situation. In particular, they evaluated that high-level exchanges between the two countries have continued despite the COVID-19 situation and discussed revitalizing high-level exchanges and strengthening cooperation.
They also evaluated that trade and investment between the two countries, which had been contracted due to the impact of COVID-19, are rapidly resuming this year, and agreed on expanding trade between the two countries. Trade volume between Korea and the UK decreased from $9.7 billion in 2019 to $8.9 billion last year, but increased by 40% year-on-year to $5.9 billion in the first half of this year.
The two leaders evaluated that the two countries are contributing to international discussions on global issues and agreed to actively cooperate at COP26. Prime Minister Johnson requested the Korean government’s attention to the successful hosting of COP26 in the UK and asked for President Moon’s attendance at the leaders’ session.
President Moon explained the situation on the Korean Peninsula and Korea’s denuclearization efforts, and requested the continuous support of the UK, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key ally, for North Korea’s return to dialogue and progress in the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.
In response, Prime Minister Johnson reaffirmed the UK’s support for the Korean government’s diplomatic efforts to advance the peace process on the Korean Peninsula and said they would cooperate to explore possible engagement with North Korea.
The Blue House evaluated, "The Korea-UK summit on the occasion of this UN General Assembly served as an opportunity to discuss in greater depth cooperation measures between Korea and the UK at both bilateral and multilateral levels through active summit diplomacy with the UK, which is this year’s G7 chair and a permanent member of the UN Security Council."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
![Clutching a Stolen Dior Bag, Saying "I Hate Being Poor but Real"... The Grotesque Con of a "Human Knockoff" [Slate]](https://cwcontent.asiae.co.kr/asiaresize/183/2026021902243444107_1771435474.jpg)
