Busan and Osaka Forge Partnership to Strengthen World Expo Bids and Foster Cultural Exchange

Busan City, South Korea, and Osaka City, Japan, have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the successful hosting of the 2025 Japan International Expo in Osaka and support Busan's bid for the 2030 World Expo. The MOU was proposed during a meeting between Busan Vice Mayor Lee Sung-kwon and Osaka Vice Mayor Toru Takahashi earlier this month.

The MOU ceremony took place at Osaka City Hall, where both vice mayors attended and signed the agreement. As part of the partnership, Osaka City will share its strategy for responding to the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) and provide information on the World Expo's preparation status, as well as support site inspections and joint projects. In turn, Busan City will actively promote the successful hosting of the 2025 Japan International Expo in Osaka.

The 2025 Japan International Expo, set to take place in Osaka, aims to showcase innovative solutions for global challenges and celebrate the country's rebound from various adversities. The Expo's theme, "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," reflects the ambitious goals of promoting international cooperation and contributing to sustainable development.

Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs of Busan City, Lee Sung Kwon, expressed optimism that the partnership would generate a "synergistic effect" for both cities, adding that it would strengthen cooperation in culture and tourism, which has been curtailed due to COVID-19. He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with the spirit of the Expo and sends a positive signal to BIE member countries.

Osaka Vice Mayor Toru Takahashi voiced his support for Busan's bid, stating that the city highly values Busan's capabilities as a friendly and cooperative city. He also expressed hope that the successful hosting of the 2025 Japan International Expo and Busan's potential 2030 World Expo would create a future-oriented relationship between the two countries, further expanding exchange and cooperation between Osaka and Busan.

Since Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon's trip to Japan in October last year, Vice Mayor Lee has visited Japan regularly to reaffirm support for the bid and consolidate momentum. By promoting the attractiveness of Busan and the city and government's thorough bid preparation, he has been actively seeking the support of key figures in the Japanese government and National Assembly.