KUCHING — The friendship between Kuching South City and Guro District in South Korea continues to flourish as both cities reaffirmed their commitment to closer ties in the fields of culture, business and community development.
Mayor of Kuching South, Dato Wee Hong Seng, paid a courtesy call on his counterpart, Mr. Jang In-hong, Mayor of Guro, at the Guro District Office. The meeting was described as an important step in further strengthening the bond between the two cities, which first established formal relations in 2013. Dato Wee was accompanied by Deputy Mayor, Dato Zaiedi bin Suhaili, and Senior Assistant Secretary, Lilian Liew. The delegation was warmly received by Mayor Jang, who expressed his delight at hosting the Kuching South representatives.
Dato Wee extended his heartfelt appreciation for the warm hospitality of Mayor Jang and the people of Guro. He said the partnership between the two cities had grown steadily over the years through youth exchanges, cultural collaborations and meaningful people-to-people connections. He added that these ties had created opportunities for stronger cooperation and deeper understanding between the two communities.
One of the most significant highlights of this cooperation has been the Youth and Cultural Exchange Programme, which has become an annual tradition. Through the programme, participants from both cities have had the opportunity to experience cultural performances during major events such as the Kuching Festival in Malaysia and the Guro Festival in Korea. According to Dato Wee, these exchanges nurture cross-cultural understanding and foster long-lasting friendships, particularly among the younger generation.
The meeting also revisited the Guro–Kuching South Business Council agreement, which was signed in 2019 to lay the foundation for stronger economic collaboration. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to revitalising the council, with a renewed focus on business networking, skills transfer and knowledge sharing that would benefit the people of both cities. Dato Wee stressed that economic cooperation would serve as a vital complement to cultural and social ties, paving the way for innovation and sustainable development.
The two leaders further celebrated the symbolic gestures of friendship exchanged over the years. In 2022, Guro City honoured Kuching South by naming a road “Kuching South-ro.” As a mark of reciprocity, Kuching South is finalising plans to name a 600-metre street “Jalan Guro.” Both mayors agreed that these roads will stand as lasting symbols of respect and friendship for generations to come.
Dato Wee also highlighted Kuching South’s growing international recognition, noting the city’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021. He further pointed out Kuching South’s candidacy for the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative and the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. These recognitions, he said, open the door for deeper collaboration with Guro in areas such as cultural innovation, youth development, sustainability and health.
Mayor Jang, in his speech, welcomed the Kuching South delegation with pride as the visit coincided with the 2025 Guro G-Festival, held under the theme “Harmony.” He said the event not only highlighted the strong friendship between Guro and Kuching South, but also provided an opportunity for the visiting delegation to witness and enjoy the vibrant culture and festive atmosphere of the city. Mayor Jang expressed his hope that the meeting would further enhance cultural exchanges and open new opportunities for cooperation in the years to come.
Dato Wee congratulated Guro on the success of the 2025 Guro G-Festival and said he looked forward to continuing collaboration through this lively platform, especially in strengthening people-to-people ties.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing confidence that the enduring partnership between Kuching South and Guro would bring prosperity, harmony and shared progress to the people of both cities in the years ahead.