Vietnam - South Korea share experiences of controlling COVID-19 pandemic

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh had a phone talk with Foreign Minister of South Korea, Kang Kyung-Wha, who highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts and remarkable achievements in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malie Nguyen

Dieuhuong270198@gmail.com July 24, 2020 | 06:37

	Over 1.500 South Korean businessmen set to enter Vietnam
	Cultural wave of "hallyu" boosts demand for Korean ice cream in Vietnam
	South Korea's first-ever military satellite launched

On July 23, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held a phone talk with Foreign Minister of South Korea, Kang Kyung-Wha to share experiences in coping with the novel coronavirus as well as measures to restore the bilateral economy.

During the phone talk, the leaders of the two countries emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in all fields, especially the economic aspect, and agreed to apply measures in accordance with the current situation, reported VOV.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held a phone talk with Foreign Minister of South Korea, Kang Kyung-Wha Photo: VOV

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said that Vietnam is considering resuming commercial flight routes with some Asian countries including South Korea and hopes that the two sides would reinforce cooperation in the frameworks of ASEAN – South Korea and Mekong - South Korea by supporting as well as taking part in pilot projects, contributing to the sustainable development of the Mekong Subregion.

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, and Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung Wha at the meeting at the State Guest House on March 9, 2018. Photo: VGP

Foreign Minister of South Korea Kang Kyung Wha highly appreciated the efforts and notable success of Vietnam in containing the COVID-19 epidemic; agreed to continue implementing measures to support enterprises, boost business and investment in Vietnam.

He also gave thanks to Vietnam for creating conditions for South Korean businesses and experts to enter Vietnam, affirming that South Korean will actively participate in cooperation activities according to mechanisms of ASEAN and the Mekong sub-region in the upcoming time, added VOV.

On Tuesday (July 21), South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy announced that around 570 businessmen from 240 companies would start being sent to Vietnam on chartered airplanes from Wednesday through next month. Through August, South Korea plans to send 1,500 workers to the Southeast Asian nation. All arrivals will undergo mandatory two-week quarantine before heading toward their final destinations.

Previously, The Ministry of Transport had proposed to reoperate business flight routes between Vietnam and some Asian destinations this August with all passengers to be quarantined upon arrival.

In the proposal to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phu, the ministry suggested resuming flights to Guangzhou, Seoul, Tokyo, Taiwan, Vientiane and Phnom Penh, with the frequency of one trip per week from each side.

The Ministry of Transport estimates there are about 2,500 to 3,000 visitors who will enter Vietnam each week on the commercial flights besides repatriation flights with about 1000 to 1500 people per week.