Busan City, Which Sent Relief Funds Since the Start of the War, Prepares for Ukraine's 'Reconstruction'

Vice Mayor Lee Junseung Meets Ukrainian Economic Delegation
Discussing 'Postwar Reconstruction' and Win-Win Strategies Between Busan and Three Ukrainian Cities

Busan City is targeting 'win-win' projects between the two countries' cities, including postwar reconstruction in Ukraine.

Busan City (Mayor Park Hyungjoon) announced on the 27th that on the afternoon of the 26th, at 2 p.m. in the City Hall International Protocol Room, Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs Lee Joonseung met with the Ukrainian Economic Delegation to discuss ways for mutual prosperity between Busan and Ukraine regarding postwar reconstruction in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Economic Delegation consisted of Iryna Tsymbal, Chairperson of the Yusenko Presidential Foundation, Lee Yangkoo, President of the Korea-Ukraine New Building Association, Roman Furman, Vice Mayor of Vinnytsia, as well as directors from Odesa and Lviv, and university officials.

Vice Mayor Lee Joonseung said, "I am grateful that you took the time to visit Busan despite the difficult circumstances," and added, "Even in the midst of crisis, the unwavering will and hope of the Ukrainian people are moving many people," offering words of comfort and encouragement to the economic delegation.

He continued, "When the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, Busan was the first local government to directly deliver relief funds, and we have shown solidarity and empathy for Ukraine's pain by holding peace campaigns at Busan's major landmarks such as Gwangandaegyo Bridge, Busan Harbor Bridge, and Busan Cinema Center."

After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in July 2022, Busan City delivered $100,000 (approximately 122.67 million KRW) in relief funds. In appreciation, Andrii Nikolaienko, a member of the Supreme Council of Ukraine, visited the city and delivered a letter of gratitude.

The Ukrainian Economic Delegation responded, "We thank Busan City for the warm welcome," and added, "The three cities of Odesa, Lviv, and Vinnytsia are central to Ukraine's reconstruction, and we hope to continue a friendly and cooperative relationship with Busan."

Vice Mayor Lee also mentioned plans for mutual prosperity between Busan and Ukraine after the war, saying, "Busan, as a world-class port city, has served as a hub for global logistics. Transportation and trade through Busan's ports will make a practical contribution to Ukraine's reconstruction and economic recovery."

He also expressed hope that Busan's technological capabilities and experience in smart city development, eco-friendly energy cooperation, and shipbuilding technology could be applied to Ukraine's reconstruction projects.

Vice Mayor Lee said, "Ukraine is a country that shares many points of contact with Busan," and added, "All three Ukrainian cities visiting today are attractive, and I hope we can continue to build cooperative relationships in various fields in the future."

Joonseung Lee, Deputy Mayor of Busan (right), is greeting the head of the Ukrainian economic delegation.