By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

Gyeongju City has launched a supporters' group composed of foreign language-speaking public officials to focus on its bid for the 2025 APEC Summit.

The city of Gyeongju held a launching ceremony for the "Gyeongju Love Global Public Officials Supporters Group" at the large conference room of Gyeongju City Hall on Feb. 16, the city announced on Feb. 18.

The supporters' group is composed of 34 public officials from 22 departments who can speak English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. 

Gyeongju City, which is focusing its administrative efforts on hosting the 2025 APEC Summit, plans to actively promote the APEC Summit, as well as provide interpretation support for participants through the Supporters Group. 

The catchphrase of the supporters' group is "We Are Ready!" and they will focus on communicating that Gyeongju is ready for the 2025 APEC Summit.

Gyeongju City Mayor Joo Nak-young said, "It is important to make steady efforts to learn foreign languages and urged the supporters to strive for the internationalization of Gyeongju in the era of local diplomacy."

Meanwhile, Gyeongju City will hold an international event training program next month, which includes an international event operation manual and meeting protocols, to enhance the work capacity of the supporters.