Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin met with KAMEI Kazuyoshi, Vice-Governor of Tottori Prefecture, Japan, on July 27. The meeting took place in response to Tuv Aimag’s invitation for a visit to Mongolia to attend the Nadam Festival.

During the meeting, Mr. Lim discussed the recent activities of HIRAI Shinji, President of the Japanese National Governors’ Association and the Governor of Tottori Prefecture. He highlighted the active engagement with local governments in Korea, including the resumption of Seoul-Yonago air service. Mr. Lim also extended an invitation for high-level officials from Tottori Prefecture to participate in the upcoming NEAR General Assembly scheduled for October.

Regarding the relationship between Korean local governments, Mr. Kamei noted the longstanding history of exchange between Tottori Prefecture and Gangwon Province. He expressed optimism that the reinstatement of the Seoul-Yonago airline service will attract many Koreans to Tottori Prefecture, subsequently increasing Japanese visits to Korea and fostering improved bilateral relations. However, Mr. Kamei mentioned that a decision on attending the NEAR General Assembly would be internally reviewed upon his return to Tottori Prefecture, followed by reporting to Governor Hirai.