SEOUL: Consultations between Secretary (East) and Republic of Korea First Vice Foreign Minister

SEOUL:
Ms Riva Ganguly Das, Secretary(East), MEA and ROK First Vice Foreign Minister
Mr. Choi Jong-kun held consultations on December 23, 2020 through digital video
conference. The consultations covered issues related to bilateral cooperation
and also international issues of mutual interest including high-level bilateral
exchanges, defense and security cooperation, COVID-19 response, coordination in
multilateral forums.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen the high level exchanges in 2021 and
deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, including the areas of defence and in particular
on enhancing defence industry cooperation. They also exchanged views on
cooperation in the context of COVID-19, including facilitating essential air
travel between the two countries. Vice Minister Choi highlighted the steps
being considered by ROK Government to further relax the travel restrictions for
foreigners including Indian citizens traveling to Republic of Korea,
restrictions on numbers per flight and categories of visas. The two sides also
agreed to continue ongoing consultations for an air bubble arrangement.

Vice Minister Choi appreciated the leadership role played by India in tackling
common global challenges such as Climate Change and Disaster Management through
its initiatives such as International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for
Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and indicated ROK’s willingness to
continue to work with India on these issues.