To Strengthen Cooperation in Responding to Pandemic
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) on COVID-19 among the five MIKTA countries -- the Republic of Korea, the United Mexican States, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Turkey, and the Commonwealth of Australia -- in the form of videoconference on April 16.
The meeting was held at the proposal of South Korea, the chair of MIKTA for 2020. It was presided over by Ham Sang-wook, deputy minister for multilateral and global affairs, and was joined by senior officials of the member states of MIKTA.
The participants shared their respective countries’ experiences in responding to COVID-19 amid its global spread and discussed ways to step up cooperation among the MIKTA member states in the areas of health and disease control.
The South Korean official pointed out the need to consider allowing cross-border travel of medical personnel and business people in order to minimize disruptions to global economy.
The ROK side added that as the chair of MIKTA for 2020, it will continue MIKTA discussions on health agenda, while playing a leading role in building the network among the health authorities of the MIKTA countries.
The SOM participants, recognizing the benefits of communication and cooperation among the five MIKTA countries, which are located in diverse regions, agreed to continue follow-up consultations in order to promote cooperation in the area of health.
The meeting took place as part of the Korean government's efforts to strengthen communication and cooperation with major countries in a bid to effectively respond to COVID-19.