By Lee Kyoung Mi and Yoon Sojung 

President Moon Jae-in on May 21 held a phone summit with Georgian President Salome Zourabichi on joint cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and matters of bilateral interest.

These were the first talks between the two leaders and made at the Georgian leader's request, Cheong Wa Dae said in a written briefing.

President Zourabichi praised the Korean government's effective COVID-19 response, noting that it has become a global model. She also expressed her appreciation for Seoul's support for Tbilisi's purchase of Korean test kits, saying, "There has been high satisfaction with the quality of kits."

President Moon noted that international solidarity and cooperation are of paramount importance to overcome the COVID-19 outbreak, adding that Korea will continue to share with Georgia its experience in treatment and COVID-19 prevention and control as well as clinical data.

Mentioning Georgia's upcoming general elections in October, President Zourabichi asked President Moon how Korea held its parliamentary elections in April and what measures were taken.

In response, President Moon gave an explanation of Korea's meticulous disinfection and quarantine measures such as ensuring the wearing of masks and plastic gloves and maintaining social distancing. He also pledged to share his nation's experience in holding the elections with Georgia through communication between the election management authorities on both sides.

Calling Georgia "an important partner" in cooperation for his New Northern Policy, President Moon said he hopes the two nations can substantially bolster practical bilateral cooperation through Korean participation in the Nenskra hydropower plant project and the conclusion of a bilateral air services agreement.

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