Suwon Expands Non-face-to-face Exchanges with International Sister Cities

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City announced on the 19th that it is actively pursuing "non-face-to-face international exchanges" as direct exchanges with international sister (friendly·cooperative) cities have become difficult due to the spread of COVID-19.

The city has annually invited delegations from international sister (friendly·cooperative) cities to the Suwon Hwaseong Culture Festival for cultural exchanges. However, as the 57th Suwon Hwaseong Culture Festival scheduled for October this year was cancelled due to the spread of COVID-19, the invitation of delegations fell through.

In response, the city recently sent by mail to 20 international sister (friendly·cooperative) cities in 15 countries a letter from Mayor Yeom Tae-young, a USB containing promotional videos of the Suwon Hwaseong Culture Festival, and commemorative gifts such as macrame craftworks expressing the beauty of Suwon Hwaseong. English subtitles were added to the promotional videos.

In his letter, Mayor Yeom Tae-young stated, "Due to the spread of COVID-19, all festivals planned and prepared by Suwon City this year, including the 57th Suwon Hwaseong Culture Festival, have been cancelled," and added, "While it is truly regrettable, this was a necessary decision to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

He continued, "While COVID-19 has halted many aspects of our daily lives, we can overcome the current difficulties through the resilience of our citizens," and expressed hope that "exchanges and cooperation between Suwon City and its sister cities will resume soon."

The city has established international sister, friendly, and cooperative ties with 20 cities across six continents and is actively conducting exchanges. There are 14 international sister cities, 4 international friendly cities, and 2 cooperative cities.

International sister cities consist of one city per country. When a city establishes a friendly and cooperative tie with another city in the same country as a sister city, it is called an "international friendly city." The content of exchanges and cooperation shows little difference.

A city official stated, "International exchanges are being significantly affected as COVID-19 continues to persist," and added, "There is a risk that international exchanges could be neglected in this difficult situation, but we will implement active diplomatic policies utilizing non-face-to-face media to strengthen solidarity with overseas cities."