South Korea donates US$5 million for Bogotá’s COVID-19 strategy

Due to a long history of cooperation and mutual assistance between Colombia and the Republic of Korea, Bogotá received a donation of 5 million dollars to strengthen the efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation was made official in an event held at Bogotá’ mayor’s office in which the Korean ambassador, Jong Youn Choo and the Colombian Minister of Health signed a memorandum of understanding. 

Consequently, Ambassador Jong Youn Choo mentioned the importance of the 70th anniversary of the relationship between both nations, that dates back to the Korean War in which Colombia participated aiding South Korea. 

Most of the resources of the donation will be used to finance the increase of ICU capacity and to acquire COVID-19 detection equipment. At the same time, it will contribute to the training of Bogotá´s healthcare personnel.

In this sense, Mayor Claudia López stated:

‘‘We are close to reaching the peak of the pandemic and that is why this donation is highly appreciated. The lessons acquired by Korea during the pandemic are valuable and we need to apply them in our city’’ 

The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will monitor the results of the project that is expected to by fully developed by 2021.

Tomado alcaldía de Bogotá.