1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha had a multilateral telephone consultation with her counterparts of countries affected by COVID-19 for about 70 minutes from 8:00 pm, March 19, Korea Standard Time, and discussed ways for international cooperation in responding to COVID-19.

° The telephone consultation, which came after the first one held on March 15 among foreign ministers of countries affected by COVID, was joined by the foreign ministers of six countries -- the Republic of Korea, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Italian Republic, and the Republic of Turkey -- as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

2. The foreign ministers shared the progress in disease control measures, travel restrictions, and economic and social measures that their respective countries have taken in response to COVID-19 since their first consultation held last Sunday, and exchanged views on the significance of stronger international cooperation at the G20.

° In particular, with regard to the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the G20 chair, to hold a special video summit among the G20 countries, the foreign ministers underscored the need for the G20 member states to collaborate closely so that the G20 can draw up comprehensive and effective measures for responding to global health and economic crises.

3. Minister Kang suggested that, while working closely together to curb the spread of COVID-19, individual countries take relevant measures in a non-discriminatory, transparent and open way.

° In particular, the Minister stressed that, in order to minimize damage to travelers, it is important for countries to give prior notices and hold consultations before they take immigration measures, such as entry restrictions. She went on to point out the need to consider granting exceptions to those entering for humanitarian reasons as well as for business.

° In response, the foreign ministers shared the understanding that, as cancelled flights and entry bans, among others, are making it considerably difficult for travelers to return home, countries need to work closely together at the bilateral and multilateral levels.