On July 4, 2017, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin visited the Korean Consulate General in Xi'an for a meeting with Deputy Consul-General CHUNG Kwang-su, who is currently acting as the consul-general. During the meeting, Mr. Lim provided an overview of the current political landscape in Northeast Asia, discussed matters related to inter-local cooperation, and highlighted ongoing activities involving Ningxia Autonomous Region, Shaanxi Province, and Gansu Province—areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Korean Consulate General in Xi'an. Additionally, he made a request for the consulate's assistance in facilitating an observer, Gansu Province's potential membership in NEAR.

In response, Mr. Chung acknowledged NEAR's strong recognition in China and its pivotal role in fostering exchange among local governments in Northeast Asia. He assured that the Korean Consulate General in Xi'an would actively support NEAR's activities to the best of their ability.