Anchor: President Moon Jae-in highlighted inclusion, solidarity and cooperation in overcoming the COVID-19 crisis, while addressing the World Economic Forum(WEF). Moon also criticized developed countries for selfishly restricting global distribution of vaccines.
Choi You Sun reports.
Report: In a special address on Wednesday at a virtual meeting of the World Economic Forum’s(WEF) Davos Agenda, President Moon Jae-in presented South Korea's efforts to overcome the COVID-19 crisis through inclusivity.
[Sound bite: President Moon Jae-in (Korean/English Translation)]
"Korea has entered a stage of overcoming this pandemic, and has set a goal for an inclusive recovery and resurgence. As with all other countries, we will begin by carrying out vaccinations, which will be the first step we take towards herd immunity. Korea has entered into contracts with many pharmaceutical companies to secure a supply of various vaccines that will sufficiently cover our entire population. And we have decided on free vaccinations for the country to uphold the cause of an inclusive recovery in our everyday lives."
Moon also mentioned his administration's policies that prioritize preventing the socioeconomic gap from widening amid the pandemic - such as incentives for employers to maintain jobs and increased state support for low-income households.
The president said priority was given to those in the greatest need when providing relief payments, state vouchers and support for small businesses.
The South Korean leader called for global efforts toward reducing the socioeconomic gap and inequality that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
[Sound bite: President Moon Jae-in (Korean/English Translation)]
"Korea supports the WHO's efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccines and is taking an active part in the COVAX Facility. I expect that international cooperation will strengthen in distributing vaccines to developing countries and our cooperation with the International Vaccine Institute(IVI) will expand further. Furthermore, I hope that the actions agreed upon by G20 last year to support world trade and investment in response to COVID-19, as well as essential cross-border movement of people will be facilitated smoothly. Through multilateral cooperation, I hope that a more sustainable, inclusive recovery will be achieved together."
Expressing pity over the absence of solidarity, cooperation and mutual trust in times of crisis, Moon urged developed nations to stop selfishly restricting vaccine exports and prioritizing their citizens, an apparent reference to the U.S. and the European Union(EU).
He stressed that the most powerful weapon in a war against a new infectious disease like COVID-19 is the international community's solidarity and cooperation.
Choi You Sun, KBS World Radio News.