Cheong "President Moon Emphasizes Expanding Vaccine and Treatment Production and Fair Distribution"

The 22nd Korea-ASEAN Virtual Summit... "Expressing Gratitude for the Announcement of the New Southern Policy Plus"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in emphasized the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine and treatment production capacity and equitable distribution at the 22nd Korea-ASEAN Virtual Summit on the 26th.

Park Kyung-mi, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated, "President Moon attended the 22nd Korea-ASEAN Summit held virtually from 2:30 PM for about an hour, comprehensively reviewing the achievements of the New Southern Policy cooperation and discussing ways to overcome the COVID-19 crisis and enhance Korea-ASEAN cooperation."

Spokesperson Park added, "In his agenda speech, President Moon proposed the ‘Korea-ASEAN Health Vaccine Initiative’ to expand vaccine and treatment production capacity, ensure equitable distribution, and strengthen public health systems."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon also conveyed that the ‘Korea-ASEAN Startup Policy Roadmap,’ to be completed this year, will serve as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in future sectors. He expressed hope that cooperation to overcome the climate crisis will be further enhanced through the ‘Korea-ASEAN Climate Change and Environment Dialogue,’ launched this year, and the ‘Disaster Management Ministers’ Meeting,’ to be newly established next year.

Spokesperson Park explained, "At the summit, ASEAN leaders highly appreciated President Moon’s emphasis on the importance of cooperation with ASEAN and the active promotion of substantive Korea-ASEAN cooperation through the New Southern Policy over the past four years."

She added, "ASEAN leaders expressed gratitude for Korea’s active support of ASEAN’s COVID-19 response efforts, including an additional $5 million contribution to the ‘COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund,’ and expressed appreciation for the announcement of the ‘New Southern Policy Plus,’ which advances the New Southern Policy to a higher level and continues the momentum of cooperation with ASEAN."