NEAR Secretary-General visited Hunan and Shanxi Province in China to meet high-level officials between July 4 to 8. At the meeting the Secretary-General introduced NEAR and listened to various opinions of members regarding major NEAR events such as the General Assembly. At the meeting with Vice-Governor Zhao Jian Cai of Hunan Province, one of the founding members of NEAR, the Vice-Governor stated that he is very well aware of the role of NEAR and is looking forward to extending long term relationships for cooperation and exchange with other countries in Northeast Asia, especially South Korea. Additionally, Hunan Province will actively participate in various NEAR events, said the Vice Governor. NEAR Secretary-General JUN also met the Governor of Shanxi Province, Li Xiaopeng, and made a request to join NEAR. The Governor Li responded to that through NEAR, the Shanxi provincial government is looking forward to introducing its rich history and abundant natural resources of the area.