On December 6, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin engaged in discussions with delegations from Shanxi and Gansu provinces, both in attendance at the NEAR International Forum 2023 and the 14th Subcommittee on Economy and Humanities Exchange in Gyeongju.

Mr. Lim first met with a delegation from Shanxi Province, led by SHI Guowei, director of the Asia Division of the Foreign Affairs Office and NEAR honorary ambassador. Subsequently, he held a meeting with a delegation from Gansu Province, led by LI Linfang, director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Qingyang City.

During the discussions, Mr. Lim highlighted the significance of the event as the largest international forum of its kind, featuring participation from 38 local governments across five Northeast Asian countries. Mr. Lim requested Shanxi for the active operation of the NEAR Subcommittee on Energy and Climate Change, while asking Gansu for its continued interest and involvement in NEAR activities, emphasizing its active participation in various events since joining NEAR this year.

In response, Mr. Shi expressed gratitude to Mr. Lim for the invitation and hospitality, extending an invitation for Mr. Lim to visit Shanxi next year.

Additionally, Mr. Li provided an overview of current initiatives in Gansu Province and Qingyang City, expressing a desire to enhance friendly exchanges with local governments in Northeast Asia through the NEAR platform in the future. He also sought the support of the NEAR Secretariat for these endeavors.