- Discussion on Cooperation in Trade, Investment, Health, and Marine Contamination in Pacific Region -

1. Following his visits to Colombia and Costa Rica, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong Kun visited Mexico, Korea’s largest trading partner in Latin America, and had a meeting with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Carmen Moreno Toscano on April 23.

2. Vice Minister Choi proposed to create a substantive cooperation package in the trade, investment, health and medicine sectors that have high potential for cooperation in order to take a leap in the bilateral relations, as next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

° Vice Minister Choi proposed to conclude a bilateral agreement on health in order to reinforce cooperation in response to pandemics such as COVID-19.

° Vice Minister Choi also suggested working together for the prompt resumption of the negotiations for the Korea-Mexico FTA, so that the people of the two countries can enjoy greater economic benefits at the earliest possible date.

° In addition, Vice Minister Choi proposed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and, to this end, further called for an early resumption of the Korea-Mexico Minister-level Policy Consultations (head of delegation: Minister of Foreign Affairs) at a convenient date for both sides.

3. Vice Minister Moreno expressed her gratitude to the Korean government for providing COVID-19 medical supplies and voiced hope to boost cooperation with Korea in the health and medicine sectors such as the purchase of Korean medicines and medical supplies including anti-cancer medicines, as well as in exports of Mexican agricultural products.

4. Vice Minister Choi delivered the concern of the Korean government and the Korean public over Japan’s decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean, and asked for attention and support of Mexico that shares the common ocean of the Pacific.

° Vice Minister Moreno mentioned that Mexico recognizes the position of Korea as Mexico is also one of Pacific Rim countries. She also stressed that it is important to pay attention to the voices of all the countries in the region that are affected by marine contamination and Mexico will watch closely the matter and examine necessary measures along with the international community.

5. In addition, Vice Minister Choi asked for Mexico’s attention and cooperation in the peace process on the Korean peninsula, and Vice Minister Moreno affirmed that the Mexican government fully supports the Korean government’s effort to achieve denuclearization, as Mexico is part of Latin America which is well-known as Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone, and that both countries will continue to work together on the international stage since the peace on the Korean peninsula is important for the international security.