Vietnam suspends visa-waiver program to South Korea in wake of COVID-19 epidemic
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA)

During the conversation, the pair discussed bilateral cooperation between the two countries and the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

Minh said the Vietnam had informed South Korea before making the latest decision on temporary suspension of unilateral visa exemption for nationals of South Korea, which will take effective starting from 0:00 am on February 29.

The suspension of the visa-waiver program is part of the Vietnamese Government’s measures to strengthen containment of the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. Under the decision, Koreans holding ordinary passports with valid Vietnamese visa are allowed to enter Vietnam, said Deputy PM, FM Minh.

He suggested the RoK coordinate closely with Vietnam in the fight against the epidemic and support nationals and businesses in respective countries. Minh also expected that both countries will still maintain economic and trade cooperation.

Meanwhile, Kang briefed about the Korean Government’s efforts to cope with the COVID-19 epidemic. The RoK will provide free health care for Vietnamese nationals in the nation in accordance with the World Health Organization’s standards, Kang said./.