A 13-person delegation, led by the Mayor of Paju City, Mr Kim Kyung-il, visited Gloucestershire at the beginning of November following a visit to Paju, South Korea in April 2023 by some members of the Honourable Company and the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum.
The delegation was particularly keen to meet with the Right Worshipful Mayor of Gloucester and to sign a Sister-City Agreement, which identifies a number of areas of collaboration in the future. A Memorandum of Understanding had been signed between the two cities in April 2014, so it was a timely moment for both cities to agree to move to the next stage of their relationship. There is no doubt that the strong bond between South Korea and Gloucestershire remains secure, and it is for our County representatives from business, the arts, sport and education to ensure opportunities to benefit the County are not lost.
The delegation visited the Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum where they viewed objects from the Korean war and in particular the Battle of the Imjin River. Dinner in the evening was at Imjin Barracks, hosted by the Deputy Commander, Major General Gianluca Carai.
The following day started at Stroud High School where students showed the delegation around the school and afterwards the school choir sang for their guests, including a Korean Folk song, sung in perfect Korean! They then moved on to the headquarters of Renishaw plc, one of the leading companies in the County, which trades with South Korea. Hosted by Mr Chris Pockett, the delegation were shown a number of world-leading products.
Then it was off to the Civic Suite to meet the Right Worshipful Mayor of Gloucester, Councillor Lorraine Campbell and other City dignitaries. Here the two cities signed a Sister-City Agreement which set out a number of areas of co-operation of mutual benefit.
A visit to Gloucester Cathedral was a highlight of the two-day stay and the delegation were greeted by the Dean of the Cathedral, The Very Reverend Andrew Zhini. They were able to see the original Carne Cross and were presented by Andrew Tabor with a replica of the cross.
Finally, a memorable dinner was held at Highnam Court, courtesy of Mr Roger Head OBE DL and the delegation was overawed by the magnificence of the building and the beautiful drawing and dining rooms.
The delegation left for London the following morning where we had arranged for the Mayor of Paju City to meet the Korean Ambassador.
Patrick Brooke
