SEOUL – The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR), a prominent multilateral platform for local diplomacy, celebrated its 30th anniversary on August 20, 2026, at the Korea Press Center in Seoul. The forum, titled "NEAR 30th Anniversary: North East Asia+2 Regional Cooperation Forum," served as a milestone to reflect on three decades of inter-regional cooperation and to discuss future strategies for expanding influence into Central and Southeast Asia. 

Since its establishment in Gyeongju, South Korea, in 1996 with just 29 local governments from four countries—South Korea, China, Japan, and Russia—NEAR has evolved into a massive organization. Today, it encompasses 96 local governments across 10 nations. This expansion, often referred to as the "North East Asia+2" strategy, signals the organization's ambition to transcend its original regional focus and solidify its role as a global multilateral cooperation platform. 

The event saw high-level participation from the diplomatic community, including Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev and Mongolian Ambassador Sühbold Sukhbold, who delivered congratulatory remarks. Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing, unable to attend in person due to Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Seoul, conveyed his support through a video message. 

Ambassador Zinoviev lauded NEAR’s unique positioning, noting, "In a time of deepening political uncertainty and instability, many existing multilateral mechanisms have struggled to function. NEAR has successfully maintained a distance from sensitive political issues, focusing instead on constructive agendas and building practical, substantive relationships." 

In his video address, Ambassador Dai Bing highlighted that over the past 30 years, NEAR has matured into a critical platform for multilateral cooperation. "With 14 Chinese provinces now as full members, China remains committed to strengthening this regional synergy," he said. He emphasized that in an era where protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise, cooperation among local governments is more vital than ever to uphold multilateralism. 

Former UN Ambassador Kim Sook, who delivered the keynote speech, underscored the symbolic and practical value of the organization. "In a region like Northeast Asia, where conflicts over history, ideology, and territory are acute, NEAR has established itself as a comprehensive cooperative body," Kim stated. He expressed optimism that NEAR could act as a bridge for rebuilding trust, noting that even North Korean local governments, such as North Hamgyong Province and Rason City, remain members of the association. "NEAR is a precious common asset that Northeast Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia must nurture together," he added. 

The forum also addressed the role of media in regional integration. A panel of journalists from South Korea, China, and Japan discussed the direction and future prospects of "North East Asia+2" cooperation. The consensus was that even when national-level relations face strain, local governments and civil society must maintain channels of communication. Journalists were encouraged to play a more active role in highlighting the tangible benefits of these local exchanges to the public. 

NEAR Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin reflected on the organization's resilience, stating, "Despite the complex geopolitical environment characterized by persistent historical and territorial tensions, NEAR has maintained uninterrupted multilateral exchanges for 30 years." He concluded by affirming the organization's commitment to further expanding its network into Central and Southeast Asia, ensuring that NEAR remains a practical tool for regional development and peace in the decades to come. 

As NEAR looks beyond its 30th year, its success serves as a testament to the power of "local diplomacy"—where sub-national entities forge ahead with cooperation even when the central political climate remains frozen. By positioning itself as an essential international public good, the association continues to bridge divides and foster shared prosperity across its expanding member states.

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