Busan Mayor and U.S. Delegation Discuss Strengthening Korea-U.S. Ties

Busan, South Korea - In a meeting today at Busan City Hall's International Protocol Room, Mayor Park Heong-joon hosted a delegation from the United States House of Representatives’ Korea Study Group on Korea (CSGK), marking a significant stride in diplomatic and strategic relations between South Korea and the United States.

The meeting, held at 11:00 AM, saw the participation of six members of the CSGK, including notable figures such as Ami Bera, Young Kim, Raul Ruiz, Dan Newhouse, Chrissy Houlahan, and Deborah Ross. This high-level dialogue covered a broad range of topics, including security, economic concerns, and mutual interests in regional and global cooperation.

The Korea Study Group on Korea (CSGK), under the banner of the Former Members of Congress (FMC), serves as a vital platform for U.S. sitting members of Congress and senior policy advisors, enhancing their understanding of the Korean Peninsula and fostering networking opportunities related to the region.

Mayor Park expressed his gratitude and honor for the meaningful engagement with the members of the U.S. Congress who have shown a deep interest in Korea. He emphasized the crucial role of the "U.S.-Korea Mutual Defense Treaty" not only in rooting the values of freedom and peace in the region but also in maintaining peace in Northeast Asia.

Highlighting Busan's historical significance and strategic ambitions, Mayor Park noted, “Busan, a city symbolized by the first landing of the U.S. military's Smith Unit during the Korean War, is fervently working towards becoming a global logistics, financial, and new industry hub where people, goods, and capital move freely.”

The mayor's vision for Busan includes leveraging its position as the world's second-largest transshipment port and the seventh-largest container port to further develop advanced industries, K-culture content, and a model for industry-academic cooperation that inspires the youth.

The CSGK delegation lauded Busan's aspirations and efforts toward becoming a global hub city, committing to further raise awareness and support for Busan within the U.S. Congress. Discussions also touched on trade issues with China, cultural exchanges with U.S. cities, and potential investments by American companies like IBM in quantum computing technologies in Busan.

Concluding the meeting, Mayor Park reiterated the significant role that the support from the United States and its people played in Korea's post-war recovery and development. He called upon the U.S. legislators to continue their efforts in fostering the friendly and cooperative relations between South Korea and the United States, and between the U.S. and Busan.