President Moon: "A Pillar of the Global Vaccine Hub, Doing Our Best for Vaccine Distribution"

Participation in 'ASEAN+3 Video Summit' at Cheongwadae Main Building... "Welcoming Japanese PM Kishida" Greeting

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] President Moon Jae-in stated in a message during the 'ASEAN+3 Video Summit' held at the Blue House main building on the afternoon of the 27th that "Following last year's contribution of 1 million dollars to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, an additional 5 million dollars will be contributed this year," and added, "Korea will continue to do its best to ensure equitable and rapid distribution of vaccines as a key hub for global vaccine production."

President Moon emphasized, "Now is the time to put into action the founding spirit of the ASEAN+3 Summit to overcome COVID-19 and achieve inclusive recovery," and stressed, "First and foremost, strengthening health cooperation including overcoming COVID-19 is urgent."

President Moon mentioned that Korea has pledged 200 million dollars to COVAX and, separately, began vaccine support starting with ASEAN countries this month, saying the following.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon stated that Korea supports the 'Leaders’ Statement on Cooperation for the Mental Health of Youth and Children,' adopted under the leadership of the chair country Brunei.

He said, "We will actively participate in building a regional cooperation system to ensure universal health rights for youth and children suffering from depression due to COVID-19."

Furthermore, he conveyed Korea’s intention to actively cooperate for inclusive and sustainable growth. President Moon explained, "Korea is exploring ways to organically link cooperation in the seven core sectors of the New Southern Policy Plus strategy announced last year with the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework (ACRF)."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon pledged, "We are preparing to establish the ASEAN+3 Cooperation Work Plan 2023-2027. Korea will actively participate to ensure that regional cooperation measures for overcoming COVID-19, inclusive recovery, and sustainable growth are faithfully reflected."

Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, President Moon said, "Honorable Chair, leaders of each country, it is a pleasure to see you again in good health. Prime Minister Kishida of Japan, welcome," drawing attention by specifically mentioning Prime Minister Kishida among the various leaders.

The chair country of the event, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, said, "We have demonstrated the capacity to come together even in difficult times of crisis. This capacity was once again proven through joint efforts for regional recovery when COVID-19 broke out rapidly," he said.