President Moon Jae-in on Sept. 28 held a phone summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to mark the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations. Both leaders discussed peace on the Korean Peninsula and cooperation between both countries. (Yonhap News)
By Kim Hyelin and Yoon Sojung
President Moon Jae-in on Sept. 28 held a phone summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the status of the Korean Peninsula and bilateral cooperation.
Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Kang Min-seok said in a written briefing that the 35-minute talks began at 4:30 p.m. to mark the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.
President Moon said, "Even under difficult conditions, Korea will continue to strive for complete denuclearization and permanent peace on the Peninsula," urging Russia's constructive role and support.
Noting the Korean government's efforts to normalize inter-Korean relations, President Putin expressed his hope that the related parties can resume dialogue, adding, "Russia is always ready to cooperate in efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula."
The two leaders agreed that over the past three decades, bilateral ties have achieved significant development in many areas including politics, economy, society and culture. They pledged to work together so that their friendship and cooperative ties can further advance in a more mutually beneficial and forward-looking manner.
Both sides also exchanged opinions on cooperation in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, the spokesperson said.
Emphasizing solidarity and cooperation for overcoming the pandemic, President Moon asked for Moscow's participation in the Seoul-based International Vaccine Institute.
In response, President Putin praised Korea’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and said, "The country's epidemic prevention and control measures were of high standards and very impressive."
On Russia's participation in the institute, he said he would have his health authorities review the suggestion.
The dialogue was the first between the two leaders since their talks during the G20 summit in June last year held in Osaka, Japan.
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