On September 14, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin hosted a luncheon with DUDNIK Oksana, Russian consul-general in Busan. During the luncheon, Mr. Lim expressed his sincere appreciation for the Consulate General's proactive support, which included the recent accession of the Altai Republic and delivering video congratulatory messages for the NEAR Working-level Workshop and the NEAR Young Leaders Forum 2023. Mr. Lim also took the opportunity to request the Consulate General's assistance in facilitating the active involvement of the Primorsky Territory and the Khabarovsk Territory in NEAR activities.

In response, Ms. Dudnik affirmed the Russian Consulate General in Busan is strongly committed to fostering collaboration with NEAR. She emphasized their dedication to strengthening ties with NEAR and pledged continued support for the participation of local governments within the Russian Federation, including the Primorsky Territory in NEAR activities.

Additionally, Mr. Lim extended warm congratulations to the Consulate General on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Russian Consulate General in Busan, celebrated on September 19.