韓-EU "코로나•기후변화•그린뉴딜 협력 강화"<br /><br />From Covid-19 and climate change to global security and Korean peninsular issues, South Korea and the European Union will maintain active cooperation.<br />That was agreed upon by President Moon Jae-in and top EU representatives during their virtual summit today - Moon's first bilateral of the year and one that had to be replaced virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.<br />Kim Min-ji reports.<br />South Korea and the European Union expressed a strong commitment to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic by working with partners globally, such as the G20 and the UN.<br />In Tuesday's virtual summit, President Moon Jae-in met with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.<br />It was Moon's first bilateral summit of the year.<br />COVID-19 has caused the world to realize the importance of the climate and the environment and to feel the fast-approaching digital age. Stepping up cooperation on climate change and the digital economy sector is the most important thing in preparing for a future together. We hope the EU also becomes an important partner in a green New Deal initiative.<br />The EU leaders praised South Korea's proactive and innovative steps to tackle the outbreak with President Moon promising to share the country's experience with the global community.<br />The leaders also affirmed the need to cooperate in the development of vaccines and treatment... and to extend a helping hand to developing countries.<br />To that end, the two sides agreed to step up cooperation between South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the European Medicines Agency in regards to COVID-19.<br />And with this year marking the 10th anniversary since the establishment of a strategic partnership,... the leaders sought further areas of cooperation, including trade, digital, the environment, green energy and climate change.<br />The leaders said they are determined to restore robust economic growth and build more resilient, sustainable and inclusive economies.<br />As for their free trade agreement,... the two sides said they were committed to further enhancing its implementation,... agreeing to seek ways to reduce non-tariff barriers to trade and to facilitate administrative procedures.<br />As for issues on the Korean Peninsula,... the EU expressed support for South Korea's efforts to engage with North Korea to achieve regional peace and prosperity.<br />President Moon asked for continued efforts and a constructive role on the EU's part.<br />"This is where Tuesday's bilateral summit was held. The top office expects to use this format in future virtual summits, and take the lead in preparing for a post-virus era. Kim Min-ji, Arirang News."<br />
