SEOUL — Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won met with Shi Moujun, deputy secretary of the Gansu Provincial Party Committee, on Wednesday to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in minerals and other strategic areas. The meeting underscored the growing focus on regional collaborations between South Korea and China in sectors critical to both economies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions aimed to deepen cooperation, with Shi visiting South Korea for a series of meetings and trade events, marking him as the first senior party official from Gansu to visit Korea. During the discussions, Chung expressed optimism about the potential for increased municipal-level cooperation, which offers more policy flexibility compared to interactions at the national level.
Chung also emphasized the importance of Gansu's support in maintaining a stable business and investment environment for South Korean companies operating in the province. Gansu, known for its rich deposits of critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, and silicon, as well as renewable energy resources, plays a vital role in South Korea's supply chain for these essential materials.
The meeting comes on the heels of recent visits to South Korea by other senior Chinese provincial officials, highlighting the ongoing strategic engagements aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and cooperation on multiple fronts.