1. The third Republic of Korea-Turkey Consular Consultations took place in Seoul on July 29. It was co-chaired by Director-General for Overseas Koreans and Consular Affairs Lee Myung-yul and his Turkish counterpart Mehmet Samsar.

2. In the meeting, the two sides had in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including ways to strengthen protection of their people in each other’s countries; ways to address difficulties that Korean companies and people are facing in doing their activities in Turkey; and the progress in efforts to conclude and implement agreements on consular affairs between the two countries.

o The ROK side asked about the current security situation in Turkey and future prospects following the terrorist attack in Suruc on July 20, and requested the Turkish side’s cooperation to ensure Korean people’s safe travel and sojourn. The Turkish side promised to pay special attention to the safety of Korean people.

o The ROK side explained that the ROK Prime Minister declared a de facto end to the MERS outbreak in the country, asking citizens to return to their normal lives, and all people who had been placed under quarantine were released. The Turkish side said they became confident that the ROK is a safe travel destination.

o The ROK side also requested the Turkish side to work to enhance convenience for Korean companies and people in Turkey, including by improving procedures for issuing work permits and renewing residence permits. The two sides agreed to continue to discuss specific improvement measures in each area.

o The two sides also had constructive discussions on other issues regarding promotion of exchanges, including concluding a working holiday agreement and implementing a memorandum of understanding on police cooperation.

3. The two sides shared the view that they need to continue to increase exchanges between their consular authorities in order to better understand each other’s institutions and resolve current issues. They agreed to hold the next meeting in Turkey at the appropriate juncture.


*unofficial translation