On October 24, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin met with delegates from Russian member regions. They were in Ulsan Metropolitan City to attend the 14th NEAR General Assembly where they engaged in discussions on mutual concerns.

During the meeting, Mr. Lim extended his gratitude for their presence at the General Assembly. He highlighted the unprecedented scale of this year's General Assembly, marked by a record number of participating regions and high-level attendees. Despite the challenges posed by the current international political landscape, Mr. Lim affirmed NEAR's commitment to fostering collaboration with Russian local governments in alignment with its founding mission.

Mr. MUKHIN Vsevolod, First Deputy Chairman of the Republic of Buryatia, expressed gratitude for the invitation and underscored the Republic of Buryatia's significant dedication to cooperation with NEAR. He affirmed the Buryatia’s continued active engagement in NEAR's initiatives.

KIRILLIN Gavril, Minister of Foreign Relations and Ethnic Affairs of the Republic of Sakha, noted Sakhalin’s familiarity with NEAR's importance, having served as the 13th NEAR Chair. She expressed delight at witnessing the substantial growth and content of this General Assembly, indicating NEAR's continued progress.

Notably, representatives from Tomsk Region, the Republic of Buryatia, the Republic of Sakha, and Khabarovsk Territory participated in person at the 14th NEAR General Assembly. Additionally, virtual attendance was observed from esteemed figures such as Head of State KHOROKHORDIN Oleg of the Altai Republic, First Vice Governor KOLESOV Roman of Irkutsk Region, Vice Governor KIRILLOV Victor of Kemerovo Region, and representatives from Altai Territory, Amur Region, Zabaikalsky Territory, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Magadan Region, and Republic of Khakassia.