On May 19, 2020, Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and Korea Foundation held a round table to discuss the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea.
The participant of the discussion included: Gleb Ivashentsov, RIAC Vice President, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia; Park Ro-Byug, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Russia (2015–2017), Secretary General of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); Alexander Vorontsov, Head of Korea and Mongolia Department, Head of Korea Sector, RAS Institute for Oriental Studies; and Eom Gu Ho, Director of the Asia-Pacific Research Centre at Hanyang University. The discussion was moderated by Ksenia Kuzmina, RIAC Program Manager.
On May 19, 2020, Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) and Korea Foundation held a round table to discuss the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the relations between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea.
The participant of the discussion included: Gleb Ivashentsov, RIAC Vice President, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia; Park Ro-Byug, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Russia (2015–2017), Secretary General of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP); Alexander Vorontsov, Head of Korea and Mongolia Department, Head of Korea Sector, RAS Institute for Oriental Studies; and Eom Gu Ho, Director of the Asia-Pacific Research Centre at Hanyang University. The discussion was moderated by Ksenia Kuzmina, RIAC Program Manager.
Russian and Korean specialists discussed the experience of the two countries in the fight against the new type of coronavirus, the impact of the pandemic on the situation in Russia and South Korea, and its consequences for the global economy and the system of international relations. Special attention during the discussion was given to opportunities for the development of Russian-Korean cooperation and for developing a common response to the challenges of the post-coronavirus world order.
The success of the Republic of Korea in the fight against COVID-19 is due to a number of factors, including the quick response of the authorities, the use of flexible tools, like information and communication technologies, as well as the high level of the healthcare system and the responsible and active approach of the population. Seoul prioritized affordable testing, tracking contacts of infected people, and treatment. It is noteworthy that success in combating the pandemic was achieved without introducing wide restrictions on movement, including traveling abroad or entering the country. Alexander Vorontsov underscored the particular significance of Korean society values related to Confucianism, and emphasized the importance of studying the successful experience of the Republic of Korea.
In 2020, Russia and the Republic of Korea celebrate the 30th Anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the years, the two countries have managed to achieve significant progress in the economic and humanitarian spheres, not to mention the absence of political controversy between them. Moscow and Seoul are connected by common interests in the field of economics and international security, including on the Korean Peninsula. There is also significant potential for the development of bilateral ties and strengthening the coordination of positions in the international arena. The coronavirus pandemic will inevitably have an impact on Russia-Korea relations: the crisis can create not only threats, but also new opportunities for developing partnerships.
According to Eom Gu Ho, the trade turnover between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Korea may drop by 40%, and mutual investments — up to 50%. In the context of reducing interaction, it is extremely important to maintain the interests of both parties in continuing cooperation after normalization of the situation. The development of cooperation in healthcare, including the provision of remote medical services, also seems promising. It is very important to fully utilize digital tools and promote cooperation in non-economic fields, including education and environmental protection. It is necessary to develop innovative components of Russian-Korean relations and expand the exchange of technologies.
The coronavirus pandemic exacerbates global and regional problems, and a global recession is being observed. According to experts, in the post-coronavirus world, the existing balance of forces can be significantly transformed, the role of nation-states will increase, and the production and consumption chains will change. The U.S.-China confrontation is growing, and further aggravation of contradictions between Beijing and Washington, taking advantage of the COVID-19 theme in the information war against China, will not meet the interests of Moscow and Seoul. Under these circumstances, constructive international cooperation gains particular importance, given the possible repeated waves of the pandemic.
Park Ro-Byug emphasized that the Republic of Korea seeks to strengthen international solidarity in the areas of economy and health in order to develop cooperation in the field of vaccine development, with the help of WHO and the UN, to provide support to affected countries where the healthcare system is not so advanced, as well as to support the movement of people and essential commodities, and participate in the coordination of macroeconomic policies. Under the new conditions, Park Ro-Byug attributes a special role to G20.
Gleb Ivashentsov pointed out that Russia, in the context of global crisis and the U.S.-China competition, could develop international cooperation with a wide range of partners, participating in the creation of a new non-aligned movement, strengthen cooperation with India, including the strategic triangle Russia-India-China, and build ties with Japan. In addition, there is an increasing need in creating a new multilateral security architecture in Northeast Asia that could respond to new challenges, from a nuclear conflict threat to a pandemic. Such system should be based on an equal footing and not assume the leading role of the United States or China. Gleb Ivashentsov emphasized that the experience of overcoming the pandemic-related crisis can help develop new forms of international cooperation to resolve global issues, Russia and the Republic of Korea have a role to play in this context.
