From 10:40 a.m. today at Cheong Wa Dae, President Moon Jae-in was briefed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha on her recent visit to the site in Budapest where a sightseeing boat carrying Korean tourists sank.

Minister Kang reported to President Moon that in her discussions with the Hungarian Government, she intensively stressed the Korean Government’s keen interest and its determination to conduct search operations for those missing, salvage the sunken ship and ascertain the cause and responsibility of the accident. She added she has secured the Hungarian side’s commitment to full support.

Minister Kang next explained that she has asked countries downstream on the Danube to continue their search. In addition, the Foreign Minister added that daily briefings are being held to promptly provide accurate information to the passengers’ relatives and media. 

President Moon asked the Foreign Minister to establish a system for close cooperation with the Hungarian Government and to minimize confusion by unifying the various briefing channels. The President also instructed the Foreign Minister to do all she can to help provide assistance smoothly by respecting the opinions of the victims’ families as much as possible.