On June 11, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin attended the “Russia National Day Reception" at the invitation of the Russian Consulate-General in Busan, which was held at Paradise Hotel Busan.

Mr. Lim offered his congratulations to Oxana DUDNIK, Russian Consul-General in Busan and host of the reception, and expressed his gratitude for taking interest in and support for NEAR. 

Ms. Dudnik responded with her appreciation to Mr. Lim for coming all the way to join this congratulatory event.

During the reception, Mr. Lim met with CHEN Ribiao, Chinese Consul-General in Busan, and explained the recent activities and major events of NEAR, asking for his continuous support. Mr. Chen deeply recognized the significant role that NEAR has been playing in the promotion of inter-regional exchange and cooperation of Northeast Asia as well as the outcomes it has produced, promising his full support.

Mr. Lim also met with AYAN Kashabayev, Kazakhstan Consul-General in Busan, and proposed once again that the regional governments of Kazakhstan join NEAR associate membership. Mr. Ayan replied that he will take needful actions for Kazakhstan to join NEAR associate membership and arrange a meeting between Mr. Lim and Kazakhstan Ambassador to South Korea.