On January 31, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin Lim engaged in a meeting with Pohang Mayor LEE Kang-deok.

During the discussion, Mr. Lim provided an overview of NEAR's activities over the past year, highlighted the current year's direction and major events, and explored avenues to enhance cooperation with Pohang City. 

Additionally, Mr. Lim expressed intentions to explore ways for Pohang City to participate in NEAR activities, proposing a special membership system for local governments, given its role as the permanent location of the NEAR Secretariat and its financial support. He assured active NEAR support for international events hosted by Pohang City, such as the Pohang International Light Festival and the Northeast Asia CEO Economic Cooperation Forum.

In response, Mr. Lee commended NEAR's achievements, including the addition of two new members last year and the successful hosting of the 14th NEAR General Assembly. He conveyed his support for NEAR's development into a multilateral exchange organization among local governments in Northeast Asia and expressed a desire for Pohang City's active involvement in NEAR activities.

Later, Mr. Lim visited the Pohang City Council, where he met with Chairman BAEK In-gyu. During this meeting, he reiterated NEAR's accomplishments over the past year, outlined the current year's activities, and discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration with Pohang City. Mr. Lim also sought active interest and support for NEAR's initiatives at the Pohang City Council level.