Thinley Namgay 

The Republic of Korea has contributed Covid-19 prevention items worth USD 400,000, including test kits to Bhutan.

The kits are enough for 17,250 tests. The country also donated USD 200,000 to fight the Covid-19.

Health Minister Dechen Wangmo and Programme Coordinator of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Bhutan World Friends Programme Office in Thimphu, Eunkyoung Koh, signed the handing-taking note on behalf of His Excellency Hu Kang-Il, Korean Ambassador to Bhutan.

Lyonpo said that the test kits would help Bhutan in early detection of potential Covid-19 cases and help prevent community transmission and local outbreaks.

“The support from the Republic of Korea is indeed a reflection of the caring and cordial relationship that continues to strengthen between our two friendly countries,” said Lyonpo.

KOICA’s said: “While the numbers of new confirmed Covid-19 cases have been soaring globally, countries are looking up to Korea as a role model on how to manage the crisis. It’s speedy and far-reaching testing capabilities, as well as its transparent system, is the key to tackle and control the outbreak.”

Last month, the President of the Republic of Korea, Moon Jae-in reaffirmed the Korean government’s commitment to providing much-needed support for Bhutan based on deep and longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Eunkyoung Koh said that the assistance was a part of Korea’s efforts to fulfil the president’s commitment and also to show solidarity with Bhutan.

Hu Kang-Il appreciated Bhutanese methods of tackling the pandemic. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep admiration for the government and the people of the Kingdom of Bhutan for effectively curbing the spread of Covid-19, recording only 27 infected cases and zero death so far.”

He further added: “Thanks to the superb leadership of His Majesty the King, the Bhutanese government has responded swiftly with strong immigration and quarantine measures. At the same time, the people of Bhutan have shown remarkable resolution and strength, joining together to fight against the epidemic.”

Korea continues to provide humanitarian assistance to the partner countries as a responsible member of the international community.

Bhutan and the Republic of Korea began diplomatic relation in 1987.