President Yoon Meets North Dakota Governor in the U.S.... "Expanding Multifaceted Cooperation"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is shaking hands with Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota, USA, at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul on the 16th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol met with Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota, USA, on the afternoon of the 16th, and the Presidential Office announced that they exchanged views on expanding cooperation between Korea and North Dakota and ways to develop the Korea-US alliance.

President Yoon welcomed Governor Burgum's visit to Korea and said that North Dakota, which sent about 27,000 troops during the Korean War to fight alongside for the freedom of the Republic of Korea, has a special bond with Korea.

He added that, just as the Korea-US alliance has evolved into a "global comprehensive strategic alliance," he hopes that cooperation between Korea and North Dakota will also expand in various fields.

Governor Burgum responded that strengthening cooperation with Korea is his top priority, and that North Dakota aims to become a central hub in the United States in future industries such as energy, agriculture, aviation industries including unmanned drones, and hydrogen production.

Governor Burgum also expressed hope to deepen cooperation with Korean companies leading innovation in these fields.

President Yoon asked Governor Burgum to play an active role not only in expanding cooperation between Korea and North Dakota through this visit but also in the continuous development of the Korea-US alliance.

He also requested the state government's attention and support so that the approximately 2,700 Korean residents living in North Dakota can continue to contribute to the development of North Dakota as exemplary members of the local community.

Governor Burgum strongly supported the "Washington Declaration," which pledged to strengthen the Korea-US nuclear deterrent against North Korea, and said he would do his best to help the Korea-US alliance continue to develop.

In particular, Governor Burgum paid tribute to President Yoon's courage and leadership in improving Korea-Japan relations and opening a new era of Korea-US-Japan cooperation.