1. The 11th Korea-China Public Diplomacy Forum was held on February 25 in Shenyang, China. The Forum was co-hosted by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China and co-organized by the Korea Foundation (KF) and the China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA). The Forum was attended by government officials from both foreign ministries, as well as representatives from academia and the media.

※ The Korea-China Public Diplomacy Forum was launched in June 2013 as a 1.5-track dialogue following the agreement between the two countries' leaders. Since then, the Forum has been held alternately in both countries.

2. This year’s Forum marked the first in-person meeting in six years since 2019. Participants from the Korean side included the President of the KF, Kim Gheewhan, and the Korean Consul General to Shenyang, Choi Hee-deok. The Chinese side was represented by the President of the CPDA, Wu Hailong, the Vice Governor of Liaoning Province, Shan Yi, and the Vice President of the CPDA, Tong Xiaoling.

3. The Forum focused on the theme, "Cooperation for New Progress toward the Future.” Discussions were divided into the following three sessions:

- Session 1 (Social and Cultural Relations) : Establishing a Foundation for Mutual Understanding and Solidarity by Promoting Friendship and Exchanges

- Session 2 (Economic Relations) : Creating New Growth Engines for Bilateral Economic Cooperation through Mutual Benefit and Connectivity

- Session 3 (Diplomatic and Security Relations) : Promoting Trust and Developing Sustainable and Healthy Bilateral Relations

4. In his opening remarks, Kim Gheewhan, President of the KF, expressed his hope that the Forum would serve as a meaningful and constructive platform for dialogue to foster mutual respect and cooperation. He also highlighted the KF’s long-standing efforts in supporting academic and cultural exchanges with China and emphasized that the foundation would continue to promote diverse exchange programs to further develop bilateral relations.

5. Wu Hailong, President of the CPDA, noted in his remarks that people-to-people exchanges and close ties have been key drivers of Korea-China relations. He stressed the importance of continuing efforts to expand dialogue and exchanges to foster mutual understanding and goodwill between the peoples of both countries.

6. In his congratulatory speech, Choi Hee-deok, Consul General to Shenyang, emphasized that Korea and China, as close neighbors, have overcome challenges through close communication and cooperation. He acknowledged the significant role the Korea-China Public Diplomacy Forum has played in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations. He expressed hope that this Forum would serve as an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and explore new ways to advance bilateral relations in the future.

7. Shan Yi, Vice Governor of Liaoning Province, highlighted the geographical proximity of Liaoning Province to Korea and mentioned that the province has established sister city relationships with 11 Korean cities. He expressed Liaoning’s commitment to actively strengthening exchanges in economic, cultural, and educational sectors to contribute to greater mutual understanding between the peoples of Korea and China.

8. Experts from both sides emphasized that, amid rapidly changing global dynamics, exchanges between the peoples of both countries, such as those between future generations and provincial governments, should be actively encouraged, based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and shared interests. They also agreed on the importance of expanding practical cooperation in key areas such as economy and industry to ensure shared prosperity and qualitative growth in Korea-China relations.

9. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea remains committed to fostering friendly ties between the peoples of Korea and China while further enhancing bilateral cooperation and exchanges.