1. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kim Gunn had a video consultation with Mr. Luo Zhaohui, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and SOM (Senior Official’s Meeting) Leader of the People’s Republic of China for ASEAN, on the afternoon of November 9 at the latter’s request, and discussed matters of mutual interest at the ASEAN-related Summits, cooperation on COVID-19 response, and ways to develop the Republic of Korea-People’s Republic of China relations.

2. During the consultation, the two sides exchanged views on matters of interest to be discussed at the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Summit and the East Asia Summit (EAS), which will be held this week, and took note that the ASEAN-related Summits are taking place even amid the COVID-19 situation, facilitating continued cooperation and collaboration among ASEAN and its partner countries.

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° Deputy Minister Kim noted that the APT has played a leading role in strengthening regional cooperation and collaboration on COVID-19 response, and stated his view that it would continue to serve as a useful platform in enhancing cooperation in the area of public health with the purpose of overcoming COVID-19 as well as cooperation toward economic recovery in the region.

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︒ Deputy Minister Kim also mentioned his expectation that discussions among leaders on regional and global issues at the EAS, a strategic forum among leaders of the region, would contribute to bolstering regional cooperation as well as stability and development of the region.

° Vice Minister Luo explained the issues in the interest of the Chinese government regarding the ASEAN-related Summits.

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3. The two sides also discussed ways to reinforce cooperation on COVID-19 response and agreed to further advance the ROK-China relations by promoting communication at various levels and friendly sentiment between the two countries.

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° The two sides noted with appreciation that, since the outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis, the two countries have cooperated in an exemplary manner, such as implementing a fast track procedure, increasing regular flights, and operating chartered flights through close communication between the governments.

° With regard to the recent changes in the Chinese government’s quarantine requirements due to the COVID-19 situation, Deputy Minister Kim called for close bilateral cooperation in order to minimize inconveniences and difficulties Koreans might face in entering China. In response, Vice Minister Luo expressed his willingness to continue bilateral communication and cooperation on that matter.

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° The two sides agreed to continue consultations on carrying out exchanges at each level, including the high level, while considering the COVID-19 situation.

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4. The video consultation is seen to have served as an opportunity for the ROK and China to enhance communication on a wide range of matters of mutual interest ahead of the ASEAN-related Summits amid the COVID-19 situation.