By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Philip Goldberg on Dec. 24 to reaffirm the unwavering partnership between South Korea and the United States.

During the luncheon meeting, Governor Kim expressed his gratitude for Ambassador Goldberg's unwavering belief in and support for the resilience of Korean democracy despite the martial law and impeachment situation.

The two reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the U.S.-ROK alliance, including economic cooperation, including high-tech industrial exchanges, and pledged to continue to communicate closely. They also agreed to work together to fulfill the alliance's role in stabilizing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

The luncheon meeting was organized as Ambassador Goldberg's return to the U.S. is imminent, building on the two men's ongoing friendship.

Governor Kim first met with Ambassador Goldberg during his visit to Gyeonggi Province in November 2022 to discuss ways to strengthen Gyeonggi-do-US and Korea-US cooperation. 

In April of last year, they watched the opening game of the KBO season together at the KT WIZ baseball stadium in Suwon, and in September of last year, Kim traveled to Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek with Ambassador Goldberg to meet with U.S. Forces Korea Commander Paul J. LaCamera.

Goldberg also accompanied Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on her visit to Gyeonggi Province in March.

Since their first meeting, Gyeonggi Province and the U.S. have forged closer ties, including the signing of two new MOUs, three visits by Gyeonggi delegations to the U.S., and 12 meetings with nine U.S. governors, significantly enhancing both quantitative and qualitative cooperation.