[Anchor]
South Korea is seeking to lead global discussions on the novel coronavirus pandemic by establishing multilateral cooperation groups within international organizations.
Sehhyeong Kim reports.
[Reporter]
South Korea has gained recognition around the world for its swift and transparent response to the virus outbreak.
An official from the foreign ministry said on Thursday that Seoul has been in contact with member countries of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization about building "Friends Groups" within each organization.
If realized, South Korea wants to discuss global solidarity in ensuring international health care security at the U.N., cooperation in fighting contagious diseases at the WHO and civil education on global solidarity at UNESCO.
The Seoul government plans to establish all three groups by the end of the month.
The official said South Korea looks forward to the envisioned group holding its first meeting at the U.N. next week in New York.
Thirty countries have already expressed their intention to take part.
Earlier, Seoul’s Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha called for multinational cooperation on COVID-19 in a videoconference with the chiefs of South Korean missions at international organizations.
<Photo: Yonhap News>
