Ulsan City has extended a warm hand of solidarity by promptly responding with 20 million won in relief funds to the devastating suffering of a neighboring city with which it has built 16 years of friendship.

On the 4th, Ulsan City announced that it will urgently provide 20 million won in relief funds to Kumamoto City, which was struck by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake on July 28th that caused massive casualties and destroyed urban infrastructure. In particular, Kumamoto City has experienced large-scale displacement of residents following the earthquake, and residents are facing a dire situation of dual hardship due to power outages and water cuts amid extreme heat.

This support was decided based on Ulsan City's 'Ordinance for Establishment and Operation of External Cooperation Fund.' Mayor Kim Sang-wook delivered the relief funds along with a letter conveying deep condolences and sympathy regarding the earthquake damage to Kumamoto City.

[Photo=Yonhapnews]

Ulsan City and Kumamoto City have steadily developed their relationship for 16 years since establishing a friendly cooperation agreement in April 2010. In addition to cultural and sports exchanges between the two cities, private exchanges have been actively maintained, with Kumamoto City officials and citizens participating in the Ulsan Taehwa River International Marathon in particular.

An Ulsan City official conveyed a heartfelt message of condolence, stating, "We hope that this relief fund will be a small help in the swift recovery of daily life for the residents of Kumamoto City, with whom we have built 16 years of friendship." Ulsan City plans to actively participate in the international community's disaster recovery efforts and continue to provide humanitarian support.

Thus, Ulsan City's provision of relief funds is a prime example of genuine international solidarity and humanitarian spirit based on long-accumulated friendship and trust, going beyond simple financial assistance. As a member of the international community, Ulsan City has reaffirmed its sense of responsibility and expressed firm determination to continue its humanitarian support.