Governor Kim Visits Camp Humphreys with the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip S. Goldberg

○ Governor Kim Dong-yeon visited Camp Humphreys with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Philip S. Goldberg, on September 13 - He met with...

○ Governor Kim Dong-yeon visited Camp Humphreys with U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Philip S. Goldberg, on September 13
- He met with key figures from the U.S. military, including General Paul LaCamera, Commander of the U.S. Forces Korea, General Willard M. Burleson III, Commander of the Eighth Army, and General Ryan P. Keeney, Deputy Commander of the Seventh Air Force.

○ This marked the first meeting between Governor Kim and the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea and key figures from the U.S. military
- Discussions were held regarding ways to enhance communication and cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the U.S. Forces.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim expressed his gratitude for the invitation to Camp Humphreys, which is a symbol of the South Korea-U.S. alliance. He pledged active support from Gyeonggi Province to facilitate the stable settlement of U.S. troops and their missions.

General Paul LaCamera expressed gratitude for Gyeonggi Province's continued support during the period when U.S. forces maintain combat readiness. He emphasized the strength of the 70-year South Korea-U.S. alliance, which is growing amid their ongoing collaboration with various government agencies.

Ambassador Philip Goldberg remarked that Governor Kim’s visit to Humphreys holds significant meaning in the context of the evolving South Korea-U.S. alliance.

General Willard Burleson III stated, "It is an honor to invite Ambassador Goldberg and Governor Kim to Camp Humphreys, and I am well aware of the numerous cultural initiatives they have provided for the U.S. Eighth Army and its soldiers. We appreciate Gyeonggi Province's cooperation in contributing to the readiness and training of the Eighth Army."

Additionally, General Ryan Keeney of the Seventh Air Force expressed his gratitude for Gyeonggi Province's support in maintaining the readiness of the Seventh Air Force and for embracing the soldiers and families as part of the local community.

This meeting, where Governor Kim, Ambassador Goldberg, U.S. military commanders, and key figures from the U.S. Forces Korea gathered to discuss cooperation, marked a significant milestone.

With Gyeonggi Province becoming the largest area of U.S. military residency following the relocation of Yongsan Garrison to Pyeongtaek, both sides recognized the need for close collaboration, leading to this meeting.

Gyeonggi Province hosts the largest portion of U.S. forces in South Korea, with 80% of all U.S. troops stationed at locations such as Camp Humphreys, Osan Air Base, and Camp Casey. Camp Humphreys is particularly renowned as the world's largest overseas U.S. military base. Its importance has grown further since the relocation of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command to the site in November of last year.

Gyeonggi Province is actively working to promote friendly exchanges between local residents of Pyeongtaek and Dongducheon and the U.S. military, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between the local community and U.S. forces. Additionally, efforts are underway to support the stable integration of the U.S. military into the local community and overcome cultural differences through joint Korean-American projects related to language, history, and culture.

It's worth noting that this meeting began with a professional baseball game. Governor Kim Dong-yeon and Ambassador Goldberg previously attended the opening game of the professional baseball season at Suwon KT Wiz Park in April. During that event, General Burleson proposed Governor Kim's visit to Camp Humphreys, which eventually materialized.

This meeting marks the third encounter between Governor Kim and Ambassador Goldberg. During their initial meeting in November last year, Governor Kim expressed his desire for South Korea and the U.S. to develop an innovative partnership that goes beyond a mere value alliance, and they have since continued to meet regularly. An innovative partnership signifies collaboration in areas such as semiconductor technology and AI-driven innovation.

Gyeonggi Province expects that the meetings between Governor Kim and key figures from the U.S. military, particularly in the context of the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance this year, will further strengthen this enduring alliance.

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