○ A fruitful meeting to reaffirm the strong U.S.-ROK alliance and cooperative bilateral relations
○ Discussed maintaining close communication to ensure continued active cooperation

On Feb. 18, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Ambassador Joseph Yun, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, to reaffirm the strong U.S.-ROK alliance and discuss cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and the United States.

Governor Kim expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Yun for his unwavering trust in Korea’s crisis management capabilities, even during periods of instability, such as martial law and the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. He also emphasized the growing importance of Ambassador Yun’s role and responsibilities amid the transition to the new Trump administration.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on various issues and shared the need for close cooperation. Since taking office, Governor Kim has actively engaged with U.S. state governors from key regions, including Virginia, New York, and California, strengthening ties through multiple meetings.

Gyeonggi Province described the meeting as a meaningful opportunity to exchange opinions on cooperation amid rapidly changing circumstances.

The province also highlighted its ongoing collaboration with the U.S., noting that after proposing an “innovation alliance” during a meeting with former U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg in 2022, it signed two new agreements for friendly cooperation and organized three official delegations to the U.S. over the past two years. In December 2023, Governor Kim reaffirmed the innovation alliance with Ambassador Goldberg, reinforcing mutual trust and friendship.

In addition, Governor Kim has recently met with ambassadors from the U.K. (Colin Crooks), France (Philippe Bertoux), and Canada (Tamara Mawhinney) to emphasize international confidence in Korea and foster cooperative relationships. In January, Governor Kim was the only Korean politician to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, where he engaged with global economic leaders, business executives, and journalists to discuss Korea’s economic potential and resilience, continuing his active global outreach efforts.

Gyeonggi Province expects this meeting to further solidify the U.S.-ROK alliance and economic cooperation, strengthening bilateral relations.