FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 1996

Governor signs agreement with South Korean province of Chollabuk-do

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Mike Lowry will join Gov. Yoo Jong Keun of the South Korean province of Chollabuk-do in a friendship agreement signing ceremony Friday, May 17.

"I welcome the opportunity to explore further development of trade and tourism between our two cultures," Lowry said. "We celebrate the contributions that Korean-Americans have made to our country and our state, and we are richer for those contributions."

Lowry said the agreement will build on the strong ties of friendship and cooperation that have been established over the years, and will enhance the mutual development of the state and province. He said cooperation between the two governments will increase understanding of both regions and cultures, and will create new links between educational institutions, private sector businesses, ports, governments and communities.

The province is on the western coast of South Korea, and has a population of nearly 2.2 million. The provincial city of Kunsan also is a sister city with Tacoma.

The two governors will sign the friendship agreement at 2 p.m. in the governor's conference room.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office at 360-753-6790.