Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s opening remarks during talks with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong, Seoul, March 25, 2021

Mr Chung Eui-yong,

I am delighted to meet with you once again following the important, spectacular event that took place yesterday. Although the opening ceremony of the + had to be postponed a year, due to the coronavirus infection, it was a very high level occasion. Unfortunately, there were few people present, due to the sanitary requirements. However, large television audiences found pleasure in viewing the live concert.

Doubtless, we can defeat the COVID-19 pandemic by pooling our efforts. Russia and the Republic of Korea are setting a positive example, including by launching the production of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine in your country.

Relations between our countries continue to expand 30 years on following the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. You mentioned statistics highlighting expanded trade volumes, tourist exchanges and contacts between people in general. All this shows that the Republic of Korea is Russia’s important partner in the Asia Pacific region; and I would like to underscore the fact that it is our promising partner.

The heads of government have set new ambitious goals for expanding bilateral relations in all directions in the framework of regular contacts between President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in.

I hope that today we will review trade and economic ties, humanitarian contacts, as well as exchange opinions on key international and regional matters with focus on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Thank you.