1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha had a telephone conversation with Mr. Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, on the morning of April 16 at the latter’s request and discussed ways for cooperation on response to COVID-19.

2. Minister Kang explained that, as a result of the preemptive and active disease control measures by the government of the Republic of Korea, the COVID-19 situation has lately been improving in the ROK, but, considering the recent cases of reinfection in some of the recovered patients, the ROK government has been continuing efforts to bring a complete end to the COVID-19 situation, including a reinforced “social distancing” campaign.
 
3. Minister Peters offered congratulations to the ROK on the successful administration of the parliamentary election even amid the COVD-19 situation, commended the ROK government’s response to COVID-19 for being an exemplary model for the international community, and voiced hope that the two countries would work closely together in the area of disease control.
 
° Minister Kang, sharing the view on the importance of international solidarity in responding to COVID-19, stressed in particular that the ROK will actively share with the international community its experiences in responding to the virus.

4. Minister Peters extended appreciation to the ROK government for its assistance in the repatriation of nationals of New Zealand in the ROK, adding that the government of New Zealand will cooperate actively for smooth return of ROK nationals.

° Minister Kang expressed gratitude to the government of New Zealand for its cooperation for the safe return home of about 700 ROK nationals in the country to date and asked for cooperation and assistance for the smooth operation of the other scheduled flights.

5. The two Ministers agreed to continue close communication between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in a bid to promote cooperation on response to COVID-19 as well as the friendly and cooperative relations.