Gyeonggi Governor and Japanese Ambassador Discuss Future Cooperation Amid Global Changes

On July 2, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Comp...

On July 2, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Japanese Ambassador Koichi Mizushima at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex to discuss ways to strengthen forward-looking cooperation between Korea and Japan.

This meeting was held in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Discussions covered a wide range of topics including economic development, investment, cultural exchange, and collaboration between local governments in both countries.

Let’s take a closer look at the highlights of their conversation.

Strengthening Korea-Japan Ties Through Local Government Cooperation.

Governor Kim emphasized the importance of enhancing practical cooperation between Korea and Japan, stating: “While the Korea-Japan relationship has had its ups and downs, as closest neighbors, we must pursue more active and meaningful collaboration.”

He also noted recent multilateral talks between Korea’s President and Japan’s Prime Minister, which focused on restoring mutual trust and expanding cooperation, and said, “As the economic and industrial hub of Korea, Gyeonggi Province is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties and promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges with Japan.”

In light of rapidly changing global dynamics including protectionist trade policies from the U.S. administrations, Governor Kim stressed the need for Korea and Japan to work closely together to navigate these challenges wisely.

Ambassador Mizushima responded by affirming the strategic importance of Korea-Japan collaboration: “Korea is a vital partner in addressing a wide range of global issues. Economically, long-term and strategic cooperation between our companies is essential.”

He added that over 500 Japanese companies currently operate offices or factories in Gyeonggi Province, and that to strengthen the economic partnership, it is crucial to deepen exchanges not only at the national level but also between local governments.

Gyeonggi Province: A Longstanding Partner of Japan.

Gyeonggi Province is one of the most active local governments in Korea when it comes to partnerships with Japan.

In 1990, it became the first Asian region to establish a sisterhood relationship with Kanagawa Prefecture. Since then, it has signed a cooperation agreement with Aichi Prefecture in 2015 and launched the Gyeonggi Business Center in Tokyo in 2023 to support local companies looking to expand into the Japanese market.

Through these connections, the province continues to promote cooperation in various fields, including economics, policy, tourism, culture, and youth exchange programs.

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This meeting went beyond a symbolic gesture of friendship. It served as a meaningful step toward establishing practical diplomatic cooperation at the local level amid an evolving global landscape.

Looking ahead, Gyeonggi Province will continue its efforts to foster a stronger, trust-based relationship with Japan, grounded in mutual understanding and local collaboration.

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