'First Visit to BC Province' Kim Dong-yeon: "Exchange Relations Between the Two Regions Grow Stronger"

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon (left) is taking a commemorative photo with Governor Janet Austin and Premier David Eby during his visit to British Columbia (BC), Canada, on the 13th (local time).

Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, who is visiting the United States and Canada to strengthen international exchange cooperation and attract overseas investment, visited British Columbia (BC), Canada, which has a sisterhood relationship with Gyeonggi Province, to further solidify the exchange and cooperation between the two regions.

On the 13th (local time), Governor Kim visited the BC Government House and the provincial legislature, where he had breakfast with Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC, and David Eby, Premier of BC, to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two regions.

Since establishing a sisterhood relationship with BC in May 2008, Gyeonggi Province has continued various exchanges focusing on media content, IT industry, disaster safety, culture and arts, sports, education, and labor based on continuous implementation plans. In May last year, the fourth implementation plan was signed, adding the climate crisis response sector in Gyeonggi Province.

In addition, in March of this year, the Gyeonggi Provincial Transportation Bureau and BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure signed a letter of intent for transportation cooperation, and in April, the Provincial Lifelong Education Bureau held a meeting with the BC International Education Committee to discuss policy exchanges related to educational programs such as the participation of Gyeonggi universities in the UMAP (University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific) project and cooperation on the ‘Gyeonggi Youth Ladder’ project.

Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of BC, said, "BC and Gyeonggi Province have strengthened exchanges in various fields such as advanced technology, culture, and sports. Going forward, we can build a much more mutually beneficial relationship in energy, clean technology, and climate change response," emphasizing, "High-level personal exchanges and friendships like today are very important for cooperation between the two countries and between the two regions."

The Lieutenant Governor of BC is a symbolic position appointed by the British monarch and ranks second in the BC protocol order, following King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

Premier David Eby was expected to have difficulty attending the event due to a large wildfire that occurred the previous day in the Port Nelson area of BC, but he attended and warmly welcomed Governor Kim.

Premier Eby stated, "The reason for being late today is evidence that BC is suffering greatly from climate change, and it also reminds us how important the partnership with Gyeonggi Province in climate change and technology fields is," adding, "The cooperation between Canada and Korea, and between BC and Gyeonggi Province, has grown from the history of fighting for human rights and democracy during the war to the strengthened cooperation we have today."

Governor Kim continued discussions on strengthening cooperation between the two regions with Premier David Eby in the Premier’s office on the first floor of the BC Legislature.

At this meeting, Governor Kim proposed, "The quota for working holiday visas has increased from the existing 4,000 to 12,000. Gyeonggi Province operates various youth support programs such as youth internships, and I hope we can find ways to cooperate by linking these with the working holiday program to give priority to our program participants."

Governor Kim also expressed condolences to the residents of BC affected by the Port Nelson wildfire and wished for its early containment, then conveyed his gratitude for the warm hospitality.

Regarding Governor Kim’s visit, BC provided top-level honors such as a wreath-laying ceremony in front of the legislature and an Indigenous welcome ceremony, attracting attention. Notably, Governor Kim was invited to the BC Government House, which is used exclusively by the British royal family, receiving an unprecedented level of hospitality equivalent to that of a state guest.

Meanwhile, following the breakfast, Governor Kim laid a wreath at the war memorial and met seven Canadian veterans of the Korean War to express his gratitude and present gifts.