Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin met with Russian delegations visiting Gyeongju to attend the 2026 NEAR Member Government Workshop, including Vladimir Khingeelov, Director General of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Buryatia, and Vyacheslav Shcherbakov, Head of the Protocol and Organizational Support Division of the Governor's Office of Khabarovsk Krai, to discuss matters of mutual interest on Wednesday, 18 March.
Secretary-General Lim expressed his gratitude for their attendance at the NEAR Member Government Workshop despite the long journey due to the absence of direct flights, and subsequently gave an overview of recent NEAR activities, cooperative relations with Russian member governments, and major NEAR events for this year.
Regarding the Republic of Buryatia, he expressed deep respect and gratitude for Head Aleksey Tsydenov’s sincere efforts toward the development of NEAR, such as supporting the associate membership applications of three states in Myanmar since assuming the 16th NEAR Chairmanship. He stated that he would do his best to ensure the success of this year’s Senior Officials’ Committee and the Traditional Medicine Sub-committee.
Vladimir Khingeelov, Director General of Economy of the Republic of Buryatia, stated that Head Tsydenov attaches great importance to cooperation with NEAR, and that a regional development fund has been established to successfully host this year’s High-Level Working Committee, with active preparations currently underway. In particular, he emphasized the necessity of promptly notifying the number of participants from NEAR member governments to finalize the passenger count for the Beijing–Ulan-Ude–Beijing charter flight and requested the Secretary-General’s cooperation in this regard.
Regarding Khabarovsk Krai, Secretary-General Lim noted that their first on-site attendance in a long time was particularly meaningful. He further emphasized that, as an important region with close ties to South Korea, he looks forward to more active participation in NEAR events in the future.
Division Head Shcherbakov of Khabarovsk Krai noted that Khabarovsk Krai has participated as a founding member of NEAR and emphasized the importance of cooperation among member governments across various fields. He particularly valued humanitarian exchange, noting that youth exchanges, sports events, and cultural exchanges play a key role in building mutual trust.
The meeting was attended by Natalia Badmayeva, Chairperson of the Committee for Financial and Legal Support and Organizational Work of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Buryatia, and a specialist from the International Relations Department of the Protocol and Organizational Support Division of Khabarovsk Krai.
In addition, Secretary-General Lim held a luncheon with the delegation from the Republic of Buryatia on Tuesday, 17 March.