Officials plant a commemorative tree to mark the first anniversary of the sister-region agreement between North Gyeongsang Province and Hiroshima Prefecture. [North Gyeongsang Province]
Officials plant a commemorative tree to mark the first anniversary of the sister-region agreement between North Gyeongsang Province and Hiroshima Prefecture. [North Gyeongsang Province]

North Gyeongsang Province and Japan's Hiroshima Prefecture are deepening their partnership across culture, tourism, youth exchange and economic cooperation as they mark the first anniversary of their sister-region agreement.

North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo met with Hiroshima Prefecture Governor Yokota Mika and her delegation, who visited the province Tuesday and Wednesday, to review the progress of bilateral exchanges and discuss plans for expanded cooperation, the province said Thursday.

The two regions signed their sister-region agreement on Nov. 13 last year and have since maintained exchanges focused on culture and the arts, youth programs and study-abroad opportunities.

Cooperation between the two regions' provincial assemblies has also gained momentum recently. Last month, a delegation led by North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly Speaker Kim Hui-su visited Hiroshima Prefecture, where the two assemblies signed a friendly exchange agreement and committed to broadening cooperation on legislative activities and policy information sharing.

During the visit, a welcome dinner and a commemorative tree-planting ceremony were held with senior officials from both sides in attendance. North Gyeongsang Province also hosted a photo exhibition at its provincial office introducing Hiroshima's culture, tourism resources and traditional cuisine.

North Gyeongsang Province plans to visit Hiroshima Prefecture in January to continue the anniversary events. Going forward, the province said it intends to build a stronger foundation for practical cooperation through student exchanges, cultural tourism, economic collaboration and regular inter-assembly exchanges.

"I am grateful for the warm hospitality," Hiroshima Prefecture Governor Yokota said. "I hope our two regions will continue to expand exchanges across many fields and grow and develop together."

North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee said he hoped the visit would deepen the friendly ties between the two regions and lead to expanded practical cooperation in youth exchange, industry and cultural tourism.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com