1. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kim Gunn had a video conference with Director-General for Political Affairs of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Elinor Hammarskjöld on the afternoon of July 8.

o The video conference was held to review issues regarding cooperation on COVID-19 response that were discussed between the leaders of the two countries in March, and to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation in the post COVID-19 era.

2. The two sides shared the COVID-19 situations and response efforts in the Republic of Korea and Sweden, and commended the close exchange of information and experience sharing between the two countries.

o Deputy Minister Kim noted with appreciation that since the telephone conversation between the President of the ROK and Prime Minister of Sweden Löfven in March, the two countries have been closely exchanging information and sharing experiences. Director-General Hammarskjöld also welcomed it, and expressed hope that the two countries would continue collaboration on COVID-19 response.

o Director-General Hammarskjöld said that there has been some media’s misunderstanding about Sweden’s policy for COVID-19 prevention and control, but like other countries, Sweden is focusing on containing and preventing the spread of COVID-19 and is implementing various restrictions and recommendations, including social distancing and a ban on visiting some facilities. She particularly explained that the spread of the virus at care facilities for the elderly is serious, and thus her government is actively responding to it.

3. The two sides agreed to continue exploring ways for the two countries to contribute constructively to the international efforts on the development and distribution of vaccines and treatments, which were discussed during the telephone conversation between the ROK President and the Swedish Prime Minister in March.

o Deputy Minister Kim, noting that the COVID-19 situation is not a problem of just one country, and international cooperation and solidarity are more important than ever, stressed that vaccines and treatments should be public goods for all humanity. He went on to commend Sweden’s continued support for the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) located in Seoul, and offered to continue international cooperation regarding vaccines and treatments.

o Director-General Hammarskjöld explained that under the health cooperation initiative “coming back stronger,” Swedish Prime Minister Löfven intends to actively seek international collaboration on the development of vaccines and treatments as well as stronger multilateralism, including through the UN, and hoped for the ROK’s interest and participation.

4. The two sides welcomed the best-ever cooperative relations between the ROK and Sweden, noting that both the leaders of the two countries visited each other last year, and shared the view that the two countries need to further strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including innovation, science and technology, and climate change, for future co-prosperity.

o Deputy Minister Kim mentioned that Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee is running for the post of WTO Director-General, and asked for Sweden’s interest and support.

5. The two sides also exchanged views on the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. Deputy Minister Kim explained the current situation on the Korean Peninsula, and expressed appreciation to Sweden for playing an active role in efforts to establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula and looked forward to Sweden’s continued support. Director-General Hammarskjöld reaffirmed her country’s firm support for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

6. The video conference is seen to have served as a good opportunity to consult on follow-up measures to the telephone conversation between the leaders of the two countries in March and to discuss ways to step up bilateral cooperation after COVID-19. The two sides agreed to continue discussing bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest through the dialogue channel between the deputy ministers.