On December 7, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin convened meetings with LEE Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), and PARK Jung Sook, secretary-general of the World Smart Cities (WeGo). Both dignitaries were in Gyeongju to participate in the NEAR International Forum 2023 and the 14th Subcommittee on Economy and Humanities Exchange. Mr. Lim expressed gratitude and sought their continued interest and support for future NEAR activities.

During the International Forum, Mr. Lee, in his congratulatory remarks, underscored the pivotal role of NEAR as a vital platform for multilateral exchange and cooperation among local governments in Northeast Asia. He expressed hope for the sharing of experiences and expertise between NEAR and TCS, emphasizing the need for strengthened collaborative partnerships through close communication and exchange.

Similarly, in her congratulatory remarks, Ms. Park highlighted the growing significance of local government cooperation in the realm of smart cities. She emphasized the increasing demand for smart city technologies and mechanisms across various policy areas and stressed the importance of platforms like NEAR in promoting cooperation among local governments in Northeast Asia.

Looking ahead, the NEAR Secretariat is committed to advancing collaborative efforts in diverse fields, including youth programs and sustainable development, with relevant organizations.