문대통령-여야대표 "코로나19 국회•정부 초당적 총력대응"
President Moon Jae-in reached an agreement with the main political parties for bipartisan efforts in fighting the outbreak.
During the meeting they also agreed to swiftly pass an extra budget to support such measures and breathe life into the economy.
Kim Min-ji has the highlights from that session.
The South Korean government and the National Assembly have vowed to direct their full capacity to tackle COVID-19.
The agreement came in a meeting Friday between President Moon Jae-in and the leaders of the country's four main political parties.
President Moon asked for the parliament's cooperation to swiftly pass a supplementary budget bill... that would be used to support quarantine efforts and revive the economy.
To fully provide the necessary support through a budget, we plan to draw up an urgent supplementary budget bill and submit it to the National Assembly as soon as possible. The key is speed. I ask that it be deliberated swiftly given the urgent situation and that it be passed in the February extraordinary session.
The president and the party leaders also agreed to beef up support for securing enough medical staff, facilities and equipment,... amid a sharp hike in the number of new patients.
President Moon also stressed the need for mid-to-long term measures as well as steps to boost the country's overall quarantine capabilities.
Friday's meeting was the first of its kind to take place at the National Assembly since President Moon took office a move aimed at showing his determination to seek bipartisan support.
Moon thanked the parties for passing relevant bills and for establishing a special committee to help ride out the virus.
Although it's a grave situation, we will be able to overcome it. If the government and parliament join forces,...we will be able to get through the outbreak and revitalize the economy faster.
While rival parties said they would spare no efforts to provide necessary legislative and budgetary support,... there were some disagreements over other matters.
On calls for a full entry ban on travelers from China,... Moon said that immigration procedures are already being well-managed and that there's been a significant drop in the number of visitors.
The president said what's most important now is dealing with the growing number of cases linked to the religious group "Shincheonji."
As for difficulties in getting face masks,... President Moon said he was sorry to the public,... adding that the government will consider stronger measures to provide a steady supply if necessary.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.
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