Gwangju mayor seeks pandas from China

Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae met with Chinese Consul General Gu Jingqi to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation and formally proposed the loan of giant pandas to the city's Uchi Zoo.

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The regional citizens have great expectations for the introduction of pandas to Gwangju as a symbol of Korea-China diplomacy. We ask for your continued interest and role as a bridge so that we can meet the expectations of the special city's citizens.

During the meeting at the Gwangju Government Complex, Min emphasized the strong local anticipation for pandas, viewing them as a symbol of friendship between South Korea and China. He requested the consulate's continuous interest and role as a bridge to fulfill the expectations of the citizens. The mayor also highlighted the integration of the special city as an opportunity to boost the regional economy by facilitating local businesses' entry into the Chinese market, expanding trade, and attracting investment.

Consul General Gu Jingqi responded positively to the mayor's proposal, acknowledging Gwangju's strong competitiveness in industry, culture, and tourism. He expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a catalyst for elevating Korea-China friendly cooperation through increased exchanges in trade, investment, industry, and people-to-people interactions.

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The integrated special city possesses strong competitiveness in various fields such as industry, culture, and tourism. We hope this will serve as an opportunity to elevate Korea-China friendly cooperation to a higher level through the revitalization of trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and exchanges between local governments and peoples.

This proposal builds upon President Lee Jae-myung's earlier request to Chinese President Xi Jinping in January for a pair of pandas to be loaned to Uchi Zoo as a symbol of friendship. While President Xi did not provide a specific response at the time, subsequent visits by officials, including Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan to inspect the zoo's readiness and Chinese Ambassador to Korea Xing Haiming's visit expressing strong support, have kept hopes alive for the pandas' arrival.

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I have fully felt the warm love of the Korean people for pandas. As the Chinese ambassador, I will accurately convey Gwangju's love for pandas and strategically promote it.