1. Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Kim Gunn, will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on June 13-15.

 
° During the forthcoming visit, the Deputy Minister will discuss with the UAE side  the establishment of a fast-track scheme which will help ease the visit of businesspeople of both countries to each other country; ways to reinforce quarantine measures for Korean workers in the UAE; cooperation in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries; and ways to develop the ROK-UAE special strategic partnership, including expanding bilateral cooperation on public health, agriculture, science and technology.
 

° Deputy Minister Kim’s visit will mark the first overseas business trip by a senior diplomat for face-to-face talks which have been curtailed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. The upcoming visit will proceed with a special caution to quarantine measures and through consultations with the UAE.

 
° A board for deliberation of overseas trips helda meeting on June 10 and reached a conclusion to permit the trip based on several considerations such as bilateral relations, expectations of the hosting country, pending issues and quarantine plans.

° The minimized delegation made up of only the Deputy Minister and one working-level official will comply with strict quarantine requirements, including undergoing COVID-19 testing before the departure from and upon the arrival in Korea, and will wear face masks and keep a distance.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been conducting diplomatic activities amid the COVID-19 pandemic with conference calls and video conferences to the extent possible. The Ministry will take this opportunity to gradually increase face-to-face diplomatic activities starting with essential ones.