Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jung: "Human and Economic Exchanges with Leipzig, Germany"

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung is resuming exchanges with Leipzig, Germany, which were suspended due to COVID-19.

According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 27th, Mayor Kang held a video conference with Burkhardt Jung, mayor of the sister city Leipzig, Germany, on the afternoon of the 25th, promising to expand exchanges and strengthen cooperation.

Mayor Kang said, "Germany remains deeply in the hearts of Gwangju citizens as the country of Hintzpeter, and Gwangju Global Motors, inspired by the German Auto 5000, has become a symbol of labor-management coexistence. Especially, since the bond between Leipzig, a city of democracy and art, and Gwangju is deep, let's cooperate in various ways."

In particular, Mayor Kang said, "Although exchanges have not been smooth due to the pandemic, I want to start human exchanges beyond democracy and culture and arts," and proposed, "Let's have concrete discussions on a public official training program so that Gwangju public officials can directly observe and learn from Germany's policies and administration for small and strong enterprises."

In response, Burkhardt Jung, mayor of Leipzig, said, "We are having similar discussions with a city in France and fully support this proposal," and replied, "Let's develop a public official training program between Gwangju and Germany to revitalize international exchanges."

He continued, "Let Gwangju, the holy land of democracy in the Republic of Korea, and Leipzig, the birthplace of democratization in East Germany, cooperate to lead the development of democracy," and requested, "Please join the democracy network that Leipzig is preparing."

The exchange regarding the Leipzig Festival of Lights, which was suspended due to COVID-19, was also discussed.

Mayor Jung said, "To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution in 2024, we are planning a large-scale event called the 'Festival of Lights,' and if Gwangju artists participate, Leipzig will shine even brighter."

In response, Mayor Kang said, "Let's reactivate exchanges such as exhibitions on the theme of the May 18 Democratization Movement," and replied, "Let's continue in-depth discussions including media art participation in the 2024 festival."