○ Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan) Governor Kuroiwa Yuji during the latter’s visit to Gyeonggi on July 16
– The two leaders signed the “Joint Declaration Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Gyeonggi-Kanagawa Agreement” to further strengthen bilateral cooperation
– Governor Kim proposed initiatives including the invitation of Kanagawa representatives to G-Fair (October) and the International Clean Air Forum (September), regularizing investment cooperation seminars, and coordinating healthcare and biotechnology policies to address the challenges of super-aging societies

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim met with Kanagawa Prefecture (Japan) Governor Kuroiwa Yuji on July 16 at Dodamso, the official gubernatorial residence. In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the twinning agreement between the two regions, the two governors signed a joint declaration aimed at expanding collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

This meeting marked an official return visit following the invitation extended to Governor Kuroiwa by Governor Kim during the latter’s visit to Japan two years ago. The occasion also commemorated 35 years of friendship between Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture.

Governor Kim stated, “Kanagawa Prefecture is the center of economic innovation in Japan, and Gyeonggi Province stands as the economic heart of Korea. The two regions taking the lead in economic cooperation, advanced exchanges, and cultural content development will serve as a powerful catalyst for mutual growth not only between our regions but also between Korea and Japan.” He added, “I hope today’s visit and the joint declaration will help deepen cooperation between Gyeonggi and Kanagawa as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of our partnership. Furthermore, I expect our efforts to contribute to the momentum of cooperation between Korea and Japan in this milestone year marking the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations.”

In tandem with the declaration, Governor Kim proposed the following four action items: invitation of a trade delegation from Kanagawa to G-Fair Korea in October; invitation of Kanagawa experts and officials to the International Clean Air Forum hosted by Gyeonggi in September; regularizing investment cooperation seminars between Gyeonggi and Kanagawa; and jointly addressing the challenges of super-aging societies through collaboration in healthcare and bio-industries.

After offering congratulations on the election of President Lee Jae Myung—a former Gyeonggi Province Governor—Governor Kuroiwa responded positively, stating, “This year marks both the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization between Korea and Japan, as well as the 35th anniversary of our regional friendship. I hope this visit will further strengthen the amicable exchange between our two regions. We will review Governor Kim’s proposals favorably.”

The two governors also agreed to enhance cooperation in tackling major global challenges based on longstanding achievements in economic, cultural, tourism, and sports cooperation. Notably, they pledged to closely coordinate efforts to respond to fast-evolving issues such as intensifying technological competition and trade disputes, while reinforcing their roles as hubs of advanced industries. Following their talks, the two governors signed the “Joint Declaration Commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Gyeonggi-Kanagawa Friendship Agreement,” committing to continued, practical, and sustainable cooperation.

After the meeting, the delegation from Kanagawa Prefecture joined leaders of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly and representatives of key businesses—including Samsung, ULVAC, and TOK—for a luncheon aimed at fostering closer business and regional cooperation.

Kanagawa Prefecture, with a population of 9.23 million—the second-largest in Japan after Tokyo—is an economic powerhouse known for its robust petroleum, chemical, electronics, and heavy industries. It was the first region in Asia to form a twinning relationship with Gyeonggi in 1990. Beyond high-level exchanges, the two regions have a strong track record of meaningful cooperation, including the mutual dispatch of civil servants, performances by local art troupes, and friendly matches between independent baseball teams. More exchange events are scheduled for the second half of this year as well. In August, youths from Gyeonggi Province, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Liaoning Province will participate in a tri-regional sports exchange. In October, various cultural events will take place, including the convening of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat and the participation of the Gyeonggi Art Troupe in the “Korean Citizens’ Exchange Fair” in Japan.

Meanwhile, the two regions will host the “Gyeonggi–Kanagawa Investment Cooperation Seminar” on July 17 at the Novotel Ambassador Suwon Hotel. The seminar aims to bolster inter-regional economic ties, promote joint investment opportunities, and explore shared pathways for growth. Global corporations such as Samsung, ULVAC, and Tokyo Electron will participate to share investment experiences, local market strategies, and best practices in network building. The seminar is expected to catalyze practical business exchanges and synergy between the two regions’ industries.