By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Yoon Suk-yeol received Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is visiting Korea, and exchanged views on cooperation between Korea and the state of Michigan, as well as support for Korean businesses and the Korean American community on March 7.

President Yoon emphasized that cooperation between the two countries is strengthening in all areas, including countering proliferation, economic security, advanced technology, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, following his state visit to the United States last year, which marked the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-ROK alliance. 

The President also praised the economic cooperation between the two countries, with South Korea ranking second among all countries investing in Michigan. The President called for state-level attention and support for Korean companies, especially as Korean companies with superior technology are investing in Michigan, which has a strong automotive industry and heavy industry, creating local jobs and contributing to diversifying the supply chain of key industries.

Governor Whitmer delivered her appreciation for South Korea's investment in Michigan and expressed his commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and the comprehensive U.S.-ROK alliance, especially in the area of economic security, including electric vehicle batteries, and expressed her hope that this visit will lead to more opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.

The President also noted that the 60,000 Korean Americans living in Michigan are active in various fields and are the foundation for expanding exchanges between the two countries, and asked for the state government's special attention and support for the development and empowerment of the Korean community.

Governor Whitmer said that the Korean community in Michigan is contributing to various fields in the region, and she will actively pay attention to the rights and development of the Korean community.