Park Jin and Wang Yi's First Call: "Mutual Ongoing Consultations on North Korea's COVID Response"

Foreign Minister Park Jin is entering the '40th Foreign Minister Inauguration Ceremony' held on the 12th at the annex of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 16th, Foreign Minister Park Jin held a video call with Wang Yi, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, to discuss Korea-China relations, the Korean Peninsula issue, regional and global situations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

On the same day, Minister Wang congratulated Minister Park on his appointment, saying, "I hope to form a good working cooperative relationship and closely cooperate for the development of bilateral relations." In response, Minister Park said, "Our government aims to conduct diplomacy based on shared values and interests in the region under the vision of becoming a 'global pivotal state contributing to freedom, peace, and prosperity.'"

Minister Park expressed hope that "Korea-China relations will develop based on mutual respect and a spirit of cooperation as we mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year," and added, "To this end, both countries should seek common interests while respecting each other's values and visions."

Minister Park especially emphasized the importance of timely communication efforts between diplomatic authorities for the continuous development and management of bilateral relations. He proposed close cooperation focusing on ▲ strengthening high-level and various-level exchanges and communication, including reciprocal visits by Korea-China heads of state ▲ deepening practical cooperation in economy, health, climate change, and fine dust ▲ expanding cultural and human exchanges during the Year of Korea-China Cultural Exchange to deepen mutual understanding and bonds between the peoples ▲ enhancing cooperation for stable management of the Korean Peninsula situation ▲ and strengthening cooperation on regional and global issues.

Minister Wang stated that Korea and China are eternal neighbors and strategic cooperative partners, and for this, he hopes to strengthen ▲ communication and coordination between high-level officials ▲ mutually beneficial cooperation ▲ cultural exchanges ▲ and international and regional cooperation.

The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Minister Park said, "The advancement of North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities not only worsens the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region but also does not align with the interests of both countries. Therefore, I hope Korea and China will cooperate to ensure stable management of the situation on the Korean Peninsula," urging China to play a constructive role in restraining further provocations by North Korea.

Additionally, the ministers expressed concern over the recent spread of COVID-19 in North Korea, exchanged views on the necessity of humanitarian support for North Korean residents in response to COVID-19, and agreed to continue mutual consultations.

They also shared opinions on mutual interests related to the global situation. Considering the significantly changed status of both countries in the international community, the two ministers agreed to closely cooperate at regional and global levels.

Minister Park said, "Korea will strive to develop as a global pivotal state, and I expect China to play an active role as a responsible country."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the two ministers agreed to maintain frequent strategic communication, including mutual visits, and continue close cooperation going forward.