On September 18, a working delegation from Quang Ninh city, led by Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ho Van Vinh, held a working session with Gwangju Mayor Park Gwan-yeol in Gwangju, Gyeonggi province (ROK) to discuss bilateral cooperation. Gwangju is home to Namhansanseong World Cultural Heritage site.
Accompanying the delegation were Deputy Head of the Party Committee's Communications Department Nguyen Thi Kim Nhan, and representatives from relevant departments, boards, and sectors.
Welcoming the delegation, Gwangju Mayor Park Gwan-yeol expressed his pleasure in receiving the Quang Ninh delegation on their visit and work trip to attend the 31st Namhansanseong Festival, a cultural event held at the Namhansanseong World Cultural Heritage site.
Mayor Park Gwan-yeol emphasized that cooperation between the two localities has expanded since Gwangju and the former Ha Long city signed a cooperation agreement in February 2025. A Gwangju delegation visited Quang Ninh to attend the iconic Ha Long Carnival Festival at the invitation of Ha Long People’s Committee in 2025.
Highlighting Quang Ninh city's continuation of Ha Long's previous international partnerships, Mayor Park expressed his desire for both localities to further expand exchanges and cooperation across various fields, thereby strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.
Expressing his sincere gratitude for the warm and thoughtful hospitality extended by Gwangju's leadership, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ho Van Vinh, noted that this is the first time a Quang Ninh delegation has visited and worked in Gwangju. The visit serves as an opportunity for both sides to inherit, consolidate, and expand previously established cooperative ties.
“Quang Ninh city is delighted to continue and develop the cooperative relations between the former Ha Long city and Gwangju”, said Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs Ho Van Vinh. “Quang Ninh Department of Foreign Affairs has been assigned as the focal point to further promote bilateral cooperation”.
Regarding future avenues for cooperation, Gwangju proposed fostering closer cultural, artistic, and youth ties, alongside regular delegation visits and people-to-people exchanges. The city also expressed its keen interest in sending art troupes to Quang Ninh for performances and cultural exchanges during local events and festivals when conditions allow.
Welcoming Gwangju's proposals, Ho Van Vinh stated that he would report them to the competent authorities of Quang Ninh for review and guidance. He also expressed his hope that both sides will continue to broaden multi-sectoral cooperation, bringing the partnership between Quang Ninh and Gwangju to greater depth, substance, and effectiveness.
Within the framework of the business trip, the Quang Ninh delegation attended the 31st Namhansanseong Festival and participated in cultural exchange activities in Gwangju, contributing to enhancing connectivity and promoting the image, culture, and unique values of Quang Ninh to the ROK public.
