Governor Nam explains achievements of US visit at Korean American Grassroots Conference and holds talks with key politicians asking for cooperation with Gyeonggi Province 

◇ Governor Nam talks with US Congressman Ed Royce, Chairman of the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, at the Korean American Grassroots Conference held at the Hyatt Hotel in Washington D.C. on July 30. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Governor Nam reported the achievements of Gyeonggi Province in front of Korean-American social activists and leaders of Korean-American local communities. He also met with key politicians and asked for their cooperation with Gyeonggi Province.

Governor Nam attended the Korean American Grassroots Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency in Washington D.C. at 7:00 p.m. on July 30 (local time), and expressed his gratitude and respect to the participants, saying, “So many of you have shown the great power of Korean-American communities. You have done much for the resolution of the comfort women issue and more.”

He also introduced the achievements of his US visit, saying “Foreign investments worth a total of USD 120 million have been successfully attracted through this visit to US, and I met with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and invited him to visit Korea in October.” He added, “I will cooperate in the promotion and facilitation of investments during his visit to Gyeonggi Province.”

A large number of key politicians participated in the Korean American Grassroots Conference, proving the power Korean-American communities within the US. The participants included: US Senator Robert Menendez, Chairman of US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; US Congressman Edward Royce, Chairman of US House Committee on Foreign Affairs; US Congressman Mike Honda, who has been actively involved in the comfort women issue; and US Congressman Charles Rangel, a Korean War veteran. 

More than 300 Korean residents who have been working as activists across the US through the Federation of Korean Associations and the Korean American Civic Empowerment (KACE) attended the conference to discuss desirable directions for the development of Korean-American communities.

Before the conference, Governor Nam met with US Congressman Charles Rangel at his office and invited him to visit Korea after the 2014 US general elections in November. He also emphasized the expansion and support of various exchange avenues with Gyeonggi Province. At the conference, Governor Nam undertook diplomatic initiatives by greeting and conversing with many politicians including US Congressmen Robert Menendez, Edward Royce, and Mike Honda. 

◇ Governor Nam delivers a speech at the Korean American Grassroots Conference Gala. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

Full text of Governor Nam’s speech at the Korean American Grassroots Conference

It is my honor to speak before so many Korean-American leaders today.

There are quite a few American congressmen here with us. What is common here in the US and far away in Korea is that most congressmen leave after a speech. Representative Mark Takano, however, is still staying here with us. Please give him a big hand. National Assembly Member Shim Yoon-joe and Ambassador to the US Ahn Ho-young are also here to the end. Ambassador Ahn will give us a speech a little later. Please give both of them a big hand.

I came here with two very important people from Gyeonggi Province. Gyeonggi Provincial Council members Choi Ji-yong, and Jo Kwang-ju. I know some of you here are from Gyeonggi Province, and I particularly ask you to give a big hand one more time for the two council members.  

Gyeonggi Province has successfully attracted foreign investments worth a total of USD 120 million during this visit, and I’m so glad to take part in such an important event like this conference.  

This afternoon I paid a visit to the Comfort Women Memorial in Fairfax County with two former comfort women. I must express my deep gratitude to the Korean-American leaders who have accomplished such a difficult project.  

I also met with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe. He is going to visit Korea in October, and many companies will seek to attract investments during his visit. As he also wants to make an official call on President Park, I will invite President Park to Gyeonggi Province as well.

So many of you have proven the great power of Korean-American communities. The comfort women resolution (House Resolution 121) was adopted through your great efforts. Thank you all also for your many other accomplishments.

As you may know, I am a former chairman of the Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee at the National Assembly. I also made great efforts in finalizing the KORUS Free Trade Agreement. 

As all of you leverage all of your abilities and tackle difficulties together, the role of Korean-American communities will grow further in this civil society.

Gyeonggi Province will also continue to make its best efforts.

Thank you.

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Park Kwan-sik malbut@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201407311720497055C048&s_code=C048