By Reporter Lee jon young 

A delegation composed of Goyang Special City Council members, led by Chairman Kim Young-sik, visited Taguig City in the Philippines on July 25, following an invitation from Mayor Lani Cayetano of the city in June, to hold a ceremony for the signing of a friendship cooperation agreement.

During their visit, the delegation, comprising six council members, met with Mayor Lani Cayetano and Vice Mayor Arvin Ian, along with four city council members, and pledged to foster close exchange and cooperation between the two cities.

The intention behind this agreement is to promote collaboration in various fields such as administration, culture, arts, and education for mutual development.

Taguig City in the Philippines covers an area of 53.67 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 880,000 people, making it the eighth most populous city in the Philippines and an important economic hub in the country. It also has a significant Korean population, with a Korean War Veterans Memorial located in the city.

The Goyang Special City Council looks forward to enhancing not only public sector cooperation but also fostering exchange at the private level through ongoing collaboration with Taguig City.

Before the signing ceremony, on July 24, the delegation held a meeting with the Manila Korea Town Korean Community, engaging in discussions on various matters related to the Korean diaspora community and listening to their suggestions.

Furthermore, on July 27, the delegation visited the Philippines' National Cemetery to pay respects and offer flowers. They also attended the 70th-anniversary commemorative event of the Armistice Agreement at the Philippine-Korean War Memorial.

Chairman Kim Young-sik expressed his gratitude, stating, "In Goyang Special City, we have a memorial for Korean War veterans called 'The Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea Memorial.' Through this, we can share the value of peace." He also emphasized that he would commemorate those who safeguarded freedom and peace and work closely with Taguig City, starting from the newly-signed friendship cooperation agreement, for the mutual growth and development of both cities.