SEOUL, September 23, 2024 – The Chinese delegation, participating in the 2024 First Korea-China Future Exchange Program, visited South Korea for the first time in five years, marking a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship. The visit comes as the program, which was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, has been relaunched.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the Chinese delegation, led by the Minister Assistant (Deputy Director-General) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jeong Byung-won. During the meeting, the two sides engaged in discussions regarding the deepening of local government-level exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
The Chinese delegation was composed of six members, including the Director of the Foreign Affairs Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the directors of foreign affairs offices from local governments in Shanghai, Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Chongqing. The program is designed to invite central and local government officials responsible for foreign affairs in China to participate, providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation.
Jeong Byung-won highlighted the significance of the program’s restart, emphasizing that it reflects a new phase of communication and cooperation in the Korea-China relationship. He also noted that the composition of the delegation, consisting of directors of foreign affairs offices from central and closely related regions, adds further value to the program.
Chen Li, the head of the Chinese delegation and Director of the Foreign Affairs Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his hope that the visit would contribute to expanding exchanges and cooperation between local governments in Korea and China. He further emphasized the importance of the program in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.
During their stay in South Korea, the Chinese delegation will meet with the Deputy Governor of the Gyeonggi Province in charge of the economy, visit the National Conference of Mayors of the Republic of Korea, and inspect businesses in Busan. These meetings and visits are expected to enhance the bilateral relationship and foster mutual understanding among local governments in both countries.
The visit of the Chinese delegation to South Korea is a positive sign of the improving Korea-China relationship, especially after the suspension of the Future Exchange Program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As both countries continue to work towards stronger economic and cultural ties, the relaunch of the program is a testament to the commitment of both governments to promoting cooperation and dialogue.
The program’s focus on local government-level exchanges and cooperation is particularly significant, as it allows for a more grassroots approach to fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. By engaging directly with local officials and businesses, the program can help to build a foundation for future economic and cultural exchanges between Korea and China.
In conclusion, the visit of the Chinese delegation to South Korea for the 2024 First Korea-China Future Exchange Program is a welcome development in the bilateral relationship. As both countries continue to work towards a stronger partnership, the program serves as a platform for dialogue and collaboration that will undoubtedly contribute to the further development of Korea-China relations.
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