Secretary General Kim Ok-chae and a delegation from NEAR held a meeting with Akamatsu Hirotaka, the Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives in Japan on Wednesday, October 30. Secretary General Kim gave a presentation on NEAR’s establishment and the current state of international exchange. He also requested the cooperation of the Japanese regional governments in joining NEAR.

Vice Chairman Akamatsu expressed an understanding of NEAR activities. Despite his busy schedule, he demonstrated warm hospitality by organizing a meeting and luncheon for the delegation. Furthermore, he indicated his firm support by encouraging Japanese local governments such as Aichi Prefecture to join NEAR.