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South Korean President Moon Jae-in talks with US President Donald Trump on the phone at the Blue House on Mar. 24. (provided by the Blue House)

On Mar. 24, US President Donald Trump praised South Korean President Moon Jae-for how well he has been handling the COVID-19 outbreak and requested that South Korea provide the US with medical equipment.

During a 23-minute phone call on Tuesday, the two presidents shared concerns about the global spread of COVID-19 and ideas about how their two countries can work together to beat the disease, related Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House.

In the phone call, which was urgently arranged at the US’ request, Trump asked whether South Korea could provide medical equipment to deal with COVID-19, and Moon said he would provide as many of South Korea’s extra supplies as possible.

When Moon expressed his concerns that the US Food and Drug Administration would have to approve any medical supplies from South Korea, Trump said he would take immediate action to ensure approval was granted “today.”

Trump also took interest in the current spread of the disease in South Korea, remarking that Seoul was doing a very good job. As of 11 pm on Mar. 24, the US had 46,000 confirmed cases of the disease and 580 deaths.

The two leaders also said the US$5 billion currency swap the two countries had arranged was a very timely measure that will help stabilize international financial markets. According to Kang, they also shared their opinions about delaying the Tokyo Olympics.

In addition, Trump and Moon agreed to hold an in-depth discussion of ways to respond to COVID-19 during a special video conference for leaders of the G20 states, scheduled for Mar. 26.

By Seong Yeon-cheol, staff reporter

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