San Antonio Mayor Expresses Support
Condolences Also from Seven Cities Including Guangzhou and Changzhi
Regarding the 'Jeju Air passenger plane disaster,' Gwangju's overseas sister and friendship cities sent letters to mourn the victims and offer condolences to the bereaved families and citizens.
The Gwangju City Government announced on the 5th that it had received condolence letters from eight cities, including its sister cities San Antonio (USA), Guangzhou and Changzhi (China); friendship cities Dalian, Wenzhou, Quanzhou, and Qingdao (China); MOU city Yancheng (China); as well as from the Embassy of Israel in Korea and the Consulate General of China in Gwangju.
Additionally, 45 organizations worldwide, including the Federation of Honam Associations in America, sent condolence wreaths to comfort the bereaved families and citizens.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and San Antonio Korean Association President Kim Jooyoo, whose city has maintained a sister city relationship with Gwangju since 1982, also sent letters.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg stated in his letter, "San Antonio, Gwangju's sister city, stands united in support during this difficult time. We pray for the victims and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families."
The San Antonio Korean Association also expressed, "We send our heartfelt condolences for this tragic accident. We sincerely hope for the recovery of Gwangju and Korea as they overcome the hardships caused by this disaster. The San Antonio Korean Association will stand with the people of Gwangju and Korea during this difficult time."
Seven local governments in China, including Gwangju's sister cities Guangzhou and Changzhi; friendship cities Dalian, Wenzhou, Quanzhou, and Qingdao; and MOU city Yancheng, also sent letters expressing deep sympathy and condolences.
Notably, the Secretariat of the International Urban Innovation Award, which previously awarded Gwangju for its 'Gwangju-style Integrated Care,' also sent a letter, stating, "We stand in solidarity with you as you overcome this difficult period and offer our unwavering support."
Rafael Harpaz, the Israeli Ambassador to Korea who visited Gwangju last year, also sent a letter. Ambassador Harpaz said, "This tragic event has brought immeasurable sorrow not only to Gwangju but to all of Korea, and we too share in this deep sense of loss. Please remember that the people of Israel stand with the people of Gwangju and Korea during this difficult time."
The Consulate General of China in Gwangju sent a condolence wreath to the joint memorial altar at the May 18 Democracy Square along with a letter. Consul General Gu Jingqi stated, "During this heartbreaking time, we empathize with the sorrow of all Gwangju citizens. On behalf of the Consulate General of China and the Chinese community in the region, I express deep condolences to the victims and heartfelt sympathy to the mayor and bereaved families."
Condolence wreaths were also sent from 45 branches of the World Honam Association, including the Federation of Honam Associations in America.
Mayor Kang Gijung stated, "As our community is engulfed in grief due to this tragic event at the end of the year, the outpouring of condolences from around the world gives us strength. I thank everyone who sent letters. I will do my best to convey these warm sentiments to the bereaved families and to overcome this situation."
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