Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, and Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, have marked the first anniversary of their sister-state agreement by discussing plans to broaden regional cooperation. Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo hosted a two-day commemorative visit starting November 3, welcoming a delegation led by Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota.

The two regions officially established sister-state relations on November 13 of last year. This recent visit served as an opportunity to review the achievements of the past year and explore new avenues for collaborative projects.

Expanding Bilateral Cooperation

Over the past year, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Hiroshima Prefecture have maintained active exchanges in arts and culture, youth programs, and international study initiatives. Recent high-level exchanges have further strengthened ties, including visits between Gyeongsangbuk-do's Vice Governor for Economic Affairs and Hiroshima Prefecture's Assembly Speaker.

Notably, a delegation from the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council, led by Chairman Kim Hee-soo, visited Hiroshima Prefecture from October 19 to 22. During the visit, the two regional assemblies signed a friendly exchange agreement to institutionalize regular reciprocal visits, share legislative activities, and exchange best practices in local governance.

Key Anniversary Events

Welcome Dinner: Held on November 3 with both governors and key representatives from regional assemblies and affiliated organizations.
Commemorative Tree Planting: Took place on November 4 to symbolize enduring friendship and mutual development.
Special Exhibition: Hosted in the provincial government lobby, featuring photos of past exchanges, cultural and tourism resources, and traditional cuisine from Hiroshima.

Looking Ahead

Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "Gyeongsangbuk-do and Hiroshima Prefecture are vital partners built on shared history, culture, and deep mutual trust. I hope this 1-year anniversary visit solidifies our friendly relations and expands practical cooperation in future-generation exchanges, industrial economics, and cultural tourism."

In response, Hiroshima Governor Mika Yokota expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you for the warm hospitality. We look forward to expanding exchanges across youth programs, culture, tourism, and economics so that both regions can grow and prosper together."

Gyeongsangbuk-do plans to send a delegation to Hiroshima Prefecture next January to continue the 1st-anniversary celebrations. Both local governments aim to deepen cooperation in culture and tourism, student exchange programs, economic partnerships, and regular regional assembly dialogues.

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