Daejeon, Seattle issue joint declaration to expand exchanges
Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, left, and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell pose during a ceremony to issue a joint declaration to expand bilateral exchanges in the economy and various other fields in Seattle City Hall, Tuesday. Courtesy of Daejeon Metropolitan City
Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo visited Seattle City Hall on Tuesday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the sister city relationship, where the two cities celebrated by issuing a joint declaration and engaging in economic delegation exchanges, the Daejeon city government said.
The two cities agreed to expand practical exchanges in various fields, including economics, science, culture and festivals and to cooperate with the World Economic Science Cities Alliance, which will be established in Daejeon in September.
Following the ceremony, a business networking session took place between Daejeon's economic delegation and Seattle's business and administrative officials.
This was the second meeting following the visit of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and its economic delegation to Daejeon on April 19, with meaningful discussions on promoting companies and technical cooperation for entry into the U.S. market.
During their visit to Daejeon, Lee introduced Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell to Daejeon's advanced industry companies in the fields of information technology, autonomous driving and semiconductor materials, requesting continuous corporate exchanges for U.S. market entry.
Lee emphasized the importance of Daejeon's participation in the World Economic Science Cities Alliance.
"We hope to form a network centered on economic, scientific, and university collaborations, with Seattle as a partner," he said. "We look forward to continued mutual growth and practical exchanges every year, celebrating our 35-year bond."
Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo, center left, and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, center right, pose along with other officials to celebrate the issue of a joint declaration in the Seattle City Hall, Tuesday. Courtesy of Daejeon Metropolitan City
Lee also highlighted the significance of the Daejeon-Seattle relationship, saying, "Like the Korea-U.S. alliance, the relationship between Daejeon and Seattle is important. We hope to expand exchanges in industries, sports, universities, and research institutions beyond our sister city relationship."
Harrell expressed his delight at the longstanding relationship, noting the special connection between Seattle and Daejeon since 1989.
He emphasized the importance of their partnership beyond business, highlighting the significance of having an important friend in Korea. Harrell also affirmed that as a strategic city, Seattle will cooperate with Daejeon in all fields, including business, industry and trade.