Kim Tae-heum and Zheng Haitao Hold High-Level Talks
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Culture to Industry, Sports, and Youth Exchanges
Chungnam Province has achieved tangible results on the international diplomatic stage, securing commitments for multifaceted cooperation in areas such as industry, youth, and sports, beyond cultural ties, through a high-level diplomatic meeting with Yangzhou City, China.
The province announced on the 24th that Governor Kim Tae-heum met with Mayor Zheng Haitao of Yangzhou at the Yangzhou Guesthouse in China on the 23rd to discuss ways to expand exchanges between Chungnam and Yangzhou.
This meeting served as a turning point for strengthening future-oriented cooperative relations between the two regions, based on the historical connection between Chusa Kim Jeonghui and his mentor Wan Yuan.
Governor Kim proposed holding biennial cultural exchange events, stating, "Let us develop the cultural bond between our regions, rooted in the teacher-student relationship, into a platform for exchanges among future generations."
He also requested that Yangzhou share its successful experiences and have its chefs participate as a world-renowned culinary city in the Taean International Horticultural Healing Expo to be held in April next year.
Mayor Zheng Haitao responded, "Yangzhou is a city of culture and gastronomy as well as a hub for new industries," and added, "We will actively support Chungnam's proposals."
He also suggested practical exchange measures such as Yangzhou-Chungnam cultural exchanges, project cooperation between key industries, youth exchanges, and the hosting of baseball and soccer tournaments.
Governor Kim replied, "Upon returning to Korea, I will immediately select cities and counties in Chungnam to establish sister-city relationships with Yangzhou," and added, "We will also actively consider proposals for youth exchanges and sports tournaments."
The province has achieved visible results, including cooperation for the Taean International Horticultural Healing Expo, industrial and cultural collaboration, youth and sports exchanges, and the promotion of sister-city relationships, thereby proving that international diplomatic activities at the local government level can lead to tangible outcomes.
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