1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha spoke over the phone with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of the Republic of Ecuador José Valencia on the afternoon of April 17 at the latter’s request, and exchanged views on ways for the Republic of Korea and Ecuador to work together in responding to COVID-19.

2. Minister Kang said that although the COVID-19 situation in the ROK has lately been improving with the ROK government’s preemptive and proactive disease control measures and the citizens’ participation in social distancing, the ROK is not yet at the stage where people can let down vigilance. She explained that the ROK is continuing efforts to bring a complete end to COVID-19.

3. Minister Valencia assessed that the ROK government’s successful response to COVID-19 is serving as an exemplary case for the international community, and asked the ROK to share its experiences in tackling COVID-19 and expand bilateral cooperation in the medical sector, including the purchase of Korean-made testing kits.

4. Minister Kang stressed that the ROK will continue to share its experiences in fighting COVID-19 with the international community, and said that the ROK will look into ways to support medical supplies, including Ecuador’s purchase of testing kits, as conditions in the ROK allow.

o In addition, Minister Kang asked for the Ecuadorian government’s special attention and cooperation to ensure the safety of Korean nationals staying in Ecuador.

5. In the phone conversation, the two Ministers agreed on the importance of cooperation between the two countries amid the global COVID-19 crisis, and agreed to continue close communication.