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The “NEAR DAY” Takes Place to Celebrate the 28th Anniversary of NEAR2024-10-10
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File NEAR DAY.JPG
To commemorate the 28th anniversary of the Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR), an organization that involves 82 local governments from six countries in Northeast Asia, the “NEAR DAY” event was held at Lahan Hotel in Pohang on October 8.
As an event held for the first time ever, the “NEAR DAY” drew significant attention with over 80 distinguished attendees, including Yang Keum-hee, Vice-Governor for Economic Affairs of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province; Kim Jae-hyo, former NEAR Secretary-General; Jeon Jae-won, former NEAR Secretary-General; Hong Jong Kyung, former NEAR Secretary-General; Choi Dosoung, President of Handong Global University; Lee Kyung-soo, Vice President of Yeungnam University; Kwak Tae-yeol, Ambassador for Foreign Affairs of Chungcheongbuk-do Province; Park Cheol-joo, Ambassador for Foreign Affairs of Jeollanam-do Province; Bae Byung-soo, Ambassador for Foreign Affairs of Gyeongsangnam-do Province; Park Cheol-min, former Ambassador for Foreign Affairs of Ulsan Metropolitan City; Yu Lifei, Vice Consul General of China in Busan; Timur Klardzheishvili, Vice Consul General of Russia in Busan; and Tsogtoo Unurzaya, Consul of Mongolia in Busan.
The event began with a video presentation on NEAR’s recent activities, followed by welcome remarks by NEAR Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin, congratulatory remarks by Vice Governor Yang, President Choi, and Vice Consul General Yu. Next, the new Korean signboard ceremony took place, accompanied by a congratulatory music performance and friendly conversations.
The participants celebrated the achievements of NEAR, which has established itself as a leading international organization in Northeast Asia regional diplomacy. Since its founding in 1996 by 29 regional governments from China, Japan, South Korea, and Russia, it has expanded to include a total of 90 regional governments: 82 regular members—China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and North Korea—along with two associate members, one special member, and five observers. They supported the association’s new step forward with its new Korean name “동북아시아지방정부연합.”
In his welcome speech, Mr. Lim stated, “The growth of NEAR today has been possible thanks to the active support and cooperation of various parties, including the officials from Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Pohang City, who led the founding of NEAR in 1996 and have supported its budget since the opening of the permanent secretariat in Pohang in 2005, as well as former NEAR Secretaries-General, member governments, Handong and Yeungnam Universities, and the diplomatic corps from China, Russia, and Mongolia based in Busan.” He especially expressed gratitude, saying, “Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, reflecting Korea’s elevated status from a country that once received aid to one that now provides aid, is contributing internationally through the Saemaul Movement and NEAR.”
He also stated, “Ahead of our 30th anniversary, we have changed our Korean name to “동북아시아지방정부연합” to reflect the current times and to better convey the nature of the association. Though this, we aim to uphold the value of mutual prosperity fostered through exchanges and cooperation among local governments in Northeast Asia and continue our new steps forward.” He added, “Even amid today’s volatile geopolitical landscape marked by conflict and confrontation, we will always stay committed to our founding spirit of mitigating conflicts and promoting mutual prosperity and peace through exchange and cooperation."
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