Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Lee Hyung-hoon (left) and Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Health Evgeniy Gonchar on March 19 pose for photos after signing a memorandum of understanding on bilateral medical cooperation at T Tower in Seoul's Jung-gu District. (Ministry of Health and Welfare)

By Margareth Theresia

The Ministry of Health and Welfare on March 19 in a meeting with Ukraine discussed expanded cooperation in health care and medicine and support for the rehabilitation of people wounded in the war in the Eastern European country.

Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Lee Hyung-hoon and Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Health Evgeniy Gonchar led their respective sides at the talks held at T Tower in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on health care cooperation and discussed key bilateral initiatives such as training in medical rehabilitation in Korea for Ukrainian medical staff and management of mental health and trauma for the wounded and veterans of the war in Ukraine using digital technology.

Deputy Minister Gonchar requested that Korea share its experience in operating a medical system for veterans and know-how in international partnerships in medical cooperation. He added Ukraine's intent to keep expand its ties with the government-run Korea International Cooperation Agency.

Vice Minister Lee said, "Because Korea is also a country that achieved growth by overcoming the hardship of war, our experience in running our National Center for Disaster and Trauma and medical training programs will help health management of those wounded in the war and veterans in Ukraine, as well as in the implementation of medical training."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day also announced humanitarian assistance worth USD 2 million for conflict-hit Lebanon through international agencies operating in the Middle East.

margareth@korea.kr