Jeonnam Province and European Union Launch Sustainable Partnership

Governor Kim Strengthens Cooperation Framework in Line with Government Policy
Comprehensive Collaboration in Energy Transition, Culture, Tourism, and More

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is attending the 'EU Delegation to Korea Meeting' held in Mokpo on the 20th, greeting the delegation. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok has officially launched efforts for a sustainable future partnership with the European Union by holding a meeting with ambassadors from EU member states to discuss cooperation in various fields, including the economy, industry, tourism, culture, and trade.

On June 20 in Mokpo, Governor Kim met with Maria Castillo Fernandez, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Korea, as well as ambassadors from 17 EU member states. During the meeting, he introduced Jeonnam's strengths and reaffirmed his commitment to cooperation.

The EU member states participating in the meeting were Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Slovenia.

At the meeting, Governor Kim stated, "In line with the new government's policies to foster high-tech strategic industries and promote climate and energy transition, Jeonnam Province will also further strengthen its strategic cooperation with the European Union."

He went on to introduce Jeonnam's global initiatives, including next-generation high-tech industries such as aerospace, secondary batteries, and bio; future energy industries such as offshore wind, solar, and hydrogen; advanced agriculture, fisheries, and livestock industries based on artificial intelligence (AI); and tourism resources linked to international events such as the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo. He expressed his intention to expand multifaceted cooperation with the European Union.

Governor Kim remarked, "The European Union is setting an example for the international community by leading in the realization of sustainable values such as carbon neutrality and a circular economy. As Jeonnam leads Korea's energy transition, I look forward to strengthening our strategic partnership with the EU for shared prosperity."

In response, Ambassador Fernandez said, "Jeonnam is a very attractive region with a clean natural environment and an innovative energy base. Jeonnam's vision aligns well with the sustainable values pursued by the European Union. I hope we can continue to communicate closely and develop concrete models of cooperation together."

The EU member state delegation's visit to Jeonnam lasted three days and two nights, concluding on this day, and took place in the areas of Mokpo, Yeongam, and Haenam. The delegation experienced Jeonnam's industrial and cultural assets firsthand by visiting the Kim Daejung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall, Sani Garden, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, and the old downtown of Mokpo.

Jeonnam Province plans to use this meeting as an opportunity to further expand its exchange and cooperation network with EU member states, and to accelerate the promotion of joint EU projects and investment attraction activities, including the EU International Urban and Regional Cooperation (EU IURC) program.