Delegation from ROK's Jeju Province Visits Fujian
From April 11 to 13, a 6-member delegation, headed by Mr. Kim Hong-doo, Director-General of Culture, Sports and International Affairs Bureau of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province of Republic of Korea, visited Fujian.
On April 13, Director-General Wang Tianming met with the delegation. Mr. Wang and Mr. Kim reviewed achievements of economic, educational, maritime, and cultural cooperation since the two sides signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in 2008, and updated each other on key programs, latest economic and social developments in the two regions. The two provinces share similarities in geographical features, culture, and development concepts and targets. Taking the 10th anniversary of friendly cooperation as an opportunity, the two sides will further intensify pragmatic cooperation in a host of areas such as trade and economics, tourism, agriculture and fishery, which will lay a solid foundation for establishing sister cities at an early date.
During their stay in Fuzhou, the delegation and representatives of Fujian Women’s Federation held talks on the topics including women’s rights and benefits, gender equality, among others. The two sides expressed that they will work promote communication between women in China and the ROK.
In Xiamen, the delegation and Women Research and Training Center of Xiamen University held a seminar on women’s culture. The delegation showed great interest in Fujian’s training of professionals in doing women research and the mechanism for training women leaders,. Experts from Xiamen University introduced Fujian fisher women culture represented and the unique Fujian maritime culture by Hui’ an women and. The diligence, courage and kindness shown by women in Fujian struck a chord in the hearts of the delegation. The two sides agreed to sign an MOU on establishing academic cooperation.
In Putian, the delegation met with leaders from Putian city, visited Meizhou Island and Putian University. The two sides expressed that as women culture is a hallmark for two provinces, cooperative programs will be further discussed to strengthen communication on maritime humanity.
After witnessing Fujian’s latest developments, Mr. Kim said, he was even more impressed by similarities the two provinces share in maritime humanity. As early as in 1796, caught in a storm at sea, Lee Bang-ik, a general from Joseon Dynasty, drifted all the way to Fujian. There, he was overwhelmed by the local people’s hospitality. The two provinces are indeed close friends with a long historical links and a deep bond between the two peoples. This time, following the historical footprints of friendly exchanges, the delegation’s visit to Fujian is of special significance. With the target of establishing sister cities, Jeju will consistently promote cooperation with Fujian in various fields.