1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha spoke on the phone with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the evening of March 1st and explained the detailed measures the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) government is taking against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as the exact situation in Korea.

In particular, she mentioned that with its high quality for diagnostic test capability, swiftness and transparency in information release, and implementation of scientific control measures, Korea is effectively working to control the epidemic.

Noting that the UAE is not imposing measures like entry restriction against Koreans, Minister Kang also asked the UAE to continue to work closely with Korea and to refrain from implementing measures that could hamper exchanges between the two countries.

2. Minister Abdullah thanked Minister Kang for her detailed explanation and commended Korea’s transparent and open response efforts. He expressed his hope that Korea and the UAE would continue their close communication and consultation on response to the COVID-19, which would further strengthen the mutual trust and Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

 
3. The two ministers exchanged views on issues of common concern between the two Special Strategic Partners, including the outcome of Presidential Special Advisor for the UAE Im Jong-seok’s recent visit to the UAE, and agreed to continue their close communication and cooperation in order to further intensify the ROK-UAE Special Strategic Partnership.  END.