President Zelensky: "Korea is an Amazing Country... Thank You for Sanctions Against Russia"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 3rd, President Moon Jae-in spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and expressed his heartfelt sympathy, saying, "I deeply empathize with the sorrow and hardships the Ukrainian people are experiencing."
The Blue House announced that President Moon had a 30-minute phone call with President Zelensky from 5:35 PM to 6:05 PM that day. It was about two years since their last official call in April 2020.
President Moon said, "It is very unfortunate to be speaking again under such circumstances," and expressed condolences to those who lost their lives and their families due to Russia's armed invasion. He also paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people who are resolutely fighting against the aggression.
He continued, "Having experienced war, Korea knows the horrors of war better than anyone and deeply empathizes with the sorrow and hardships the Ukrainian people are going through," adding, "We hope Ukraine will quickly restore peace and stability, and Korea will stand with you."
President Zelensky explained the situation in Ukraine and requested available support from Korea to overcome the crisis and defend the country. In response, President Moon stated, "Korea believes Ukraine's sovereignty and territory must be preserved and supports peaceful efforts through dialogue," explaining the Korean government's position and measures such as joining international sanctions against Russia.
He also conveyed that Korea has decided to urgently provide humanitarian aid worth a total of 10 million dollars for the Ukrainian people and refugees, prioritizing medical supplies to protect lives. He requested attention and support for the safe stay of Korean nationals remaining in the area.
In response, President Zelensky expressed agreement on the need to protect Korean residents and said he would convey this to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He thanked President Moon for his warm words, encouragement, and support for Ukraine. He also mentioned, "I have visited Korea before and found it to be an amazing country."
President Moon said, "I believe that with the unity and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people, this crisis will be overcome well," and "I send steadfast support and solidarity from the Korean people." President Zelensky concluded the call by saying, "Thank you for your encouraging words; they will be a great strength to the Ukrainian people."
After the call, President Zelensky immediately posted on social networking services (SNS), "I spoke with President Moon and informed him about our response to Russia. We thank Korea for supporting and sanctioning the perpetrator (Russia). We will continue to cooperate to build a global anti-war coalition."
President Moon also responded via SNS, saying, "As a country that has experienced war, Korea salutes President Zelensky for showing strong leadership," and "I send steadfast solidarity to the Ukrainian people who have resolutely risen to protect their country."
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