Seoul 1 March

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said Japan should work with his country to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. Moon delivered a speech on Sunday to mark the anniversary of the March 1 independence movement against Japanese colonial rule.

The ceremony was scaled back this year due to the spread of the new coronavirus in the country. Moon said the South Korean people have overcome many challenges and are now united. He said the country can win the fight against the virus and revive the economy. He said the government will do its utmost, including rolling out measures to contain any further spread of the virus and assist small businesses that have been hit hard by the outrbeak.

Moon also stressed the need for cross-border cooperation. He expressed his hope to cooperate with North Korea to work on health issues. He said Japan is always the closest country to his, and called for joint efforts to build a future-oriented relationship.—NHK