By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 24: A street bearing the name “Kuching South” in Seoul, South Korea, stands as a testament to the success of Kuching South City Council’s (MBKS) long-standing friendship city programme, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim congratulated MBKS for cultivating strong ties with its overseas counterparts, saying such relationships have elevated Kuching’s international profile beyond Borneo.
“I want to congratulate MBKS for bringing all the friendship cities here. Otherwise, how do you get a street called ‘Kuching South’ in Seoul? Why isn’t there a street called Kuala Lumpur in Seoul?
“That is because of the bilateral friendship city relationship,” he said when speaking at the opening of the 40th Kuching Festival tonight.
Dr Sim said the Kuching Festival has become an important platform for strengthening city-to-city diplomacy, allowing Kuching to showcase itself and Sarawak to international delegations while deepening cooperation with partner cities.
He said this year’s participation by representatives from Guro City reflects the continued strength of the partnership, adding that MBKS intends to reciprocate the gesture by recognising Guro in Kuching as a symbol of Sarawak’s hospitality and enduring friendship.
“We want to show the best of our Sarawak hospitality and recognise them by having a Guro City in Kuching. We must acknowledge our success,” he said.
Dr Sim said the friendship city network has helped put Kuching on the global map, enabling the city to build international recognition while creating opportunities for cultural exchanges, tourism and closer bilateral cooperation.
Also present were MBKS mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili. — DayakDaily
