1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Sei-young had a telephone conversation with Deputy Secretary of State of the United States (U.S.) Stephen Biegun on the morning of March 17 and discussed developments regarding the globally spreading novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as well as ways to respond to it.

° Vice Minister Cho explained in detail that despite the recent downward trend in the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Republic of Korea (ROK), the Korean government has remained active and vigilant in its response to the spread of COVID-19. He also added that Korea has been stepping up its screening procedures before departure and upon arrival in order to prevent any further community transmission and the inflow of the virus from abroad.

° Vice Minister Cho also asked for the U.S. government’s cooperation on President Moon Jae-in’s proposal that a special video conference be held among the leaders of the G20 with the aim of international collaboration in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis.

2. Deputy Secretary Biegun expressed confidence in the ROK’s response to the virus, saying that the country’s firm and transparent measures are producing successful results in curbing the spread of COVID-19; extended appreciation to the ROK for sharing information on response to COVID-19; and voiced hope for continuing close communication and collaboration in order to respond effectively to the virus.