1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha spoke over the phone with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Peru Mario López Chávarri on the morning of September 29 (Korea Standard Time), and exchanged views on the selection of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, bilateral cooperation in COVID-19 response, and ways to participate in the construction of social infrastructure in Peru.

2. Minister Kang expressed satisfaction over the fact that the two countries have been steadily developing friendly and cooperative relations since the establishment of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership (2012) and the entry into force of the Republic of Korea-Republic of Peru Free Trade Agreement (FTA) (2011). She noted with appreciation that the two countries, in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, have also been closely working together in overcoming COVID-19.

o Minister López praised the ROK government’s successful response to COVID-19 and commitment to cooperate with the international community, and expressed deep appreciation to the ROK government for actively sharing its experience in disease prevention and control, including through a virtual meeting, to help Peru overcome COVID-19, and for providing humanitarian supplies, including test kits.

3. Minister Kang asked for Peru’s support for Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee who has advanced to the second round of the selection process for the next WTO Director-General. Minister López actively commended Minister Yoo’s expertise and leadership as the ROK Trade Minister, and said that Peru will continue to work closely together with the ROK.

4. Minister Kang asked the Peruvian government to actively consider the ROK’s participation in the Peruvian government’s social infrastructure projects, including the construction of Lima Metro Lines 3 and 4 and highways, so that the ROK can contribute to Peru’s economic development.

o Minister López said that he anticipates outstanding Korean companies’ attention and participation in the Peruvian government’s projects, and offered to expand bilateral cooperation not only in social infrastructure, but also in other various sectors.

5. The phone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries is seen to have served as an opportunity for the two countries to further solidify substantive cooperation at the bilateral level as well as collaboration in the multilateral arena even amid the COVID-19 crisis.