President Donald Trump expressed hope that South Korea could provide medical equipment to help the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Cheong Wa Dae, Trump made the request Tuesday in a phone conversation with President Moon Jae-in, who said his government would provide "maximum support" if available.
Moon pointed out that approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration might be required and in response, Trump said he would make immediate action for that within the day.
Presidential spokesman Kang Min-seok said Trump also showed interest in the trend of infections in South Korea and said it's "doing very good."
During the 23-minute call, Moon brought up the "very timely" establishment of a 60 billion dollar currency swap line between the two countries to help stabilize the international financial market.
The leaders also spoke about the upcoming G-20 session and the need to talk about ways to promote trade and protect activities by business people in a way that will not affect quarantine measures.
The White House later said, "President Trump reiterated his commitment to employ the full weight of the United States Government and work with global leaders to save lives and restore economic growth."
Moon earlier held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia in connection with the COVID-19 outbreak.■
<Photo: Yonhap News>
