By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan signed a joint declaration to mark the 35th anniversary of their friendship agreement.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with Kanagawa Prefecture Governor Yuji Kuroiwa at the Provincial Office and agreed on a “Joint Declaration on Deepening Exchange and Cooperation” to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the two regions on July 16.

According to Gyeonggi Province, this meeting was an official return visit by Kuroiwa, who was invited by Governor Kim Dong-yeon during his visit to Japan two years ago, and was held to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the friendship agreement between Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture.

Governor Kim said, “I believe that if Kanagawa Prefecture, the center of economic innovation in Japan, and Gyeonggi Province, the economic heart of South Korea, take the lead in economic cooperation, advanced exchanges, and cultural content, it will serve as a stepping stone for mutual growth and advancement not only for the two regions but also for South Korea and Japan. I hope that this joint declaration will serve as a momentum for close cooperation and mutual growth between South Korea and Japan.”

He then proposed four initiatives: ▲inviting a trade delegation from Kanagawa Prefecture to the G-Fair in October; ▲inviting experts and government officials from Kanagawa Prefecture to the Gyeonggi Province International Clean Air Forum in September; ▲regularizing investment cooperation seminars between Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture; and ▲jointly addressing policies for an ultra-aged society, such as healthcare and biotechnology.

Governor Yuji Kuroiwa of Kanagawa Prefecture responded positively to Governor Kim's proposals, saying, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan, as well as the 35th anniversary of the partnership between Gyeonggi Province and Kanagawa Prefecture. We hope that this visit will further deepen the friendly exchange between the two regions.”

The two agreed to work together on major global issues based on the achievements they have made in various fields, such as the economy, tourism, culture, and sports, through their continuous cooperation.