Meridian Partners with Samsung Electronics America to Host U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange 34th Anniversary Reception
On July 22, 2015, Meridian International Center was pleased to co-host the 34th Anniversary Reception for more than 100 guests celebrating the U.S.-Congress- Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program, and featuring Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ambassador Stuart Holliday, President and CEO of Meridian International Center, Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith, and Mr. Scott Thompson, Director and Senior Counsel, Government Relations for Samsung Electronics America. The reception took place in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
Jointly funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Republic of Korea National Assembly, Meridian has implemented the program for the past 18 years to help bring together young professionals from the U.S. and the Republic of Korea for a memorable and enriching opportunity to broaden perspectives on the legislative process; the history of U.S. - Korean relations; and current economic, political, and security aspects of this bilateral relationship.
Since its inception in 1981, the program – one of the highest profile exchange programs between the U.S. Congress and a foreign parliament to date – has successfully engaged approximately 400 congressional interns, staff, and students, resulting in more effective collaboration and visibility between governments, in-depth intercultural experiences, and opportunities for long-term relationship-building. Senator Mark Kirk has been the sponsor of the program and from both the House of Representatives and later the Senate since 2003.
Following an introduction by Ambassador Stuart Holliday, guests were honored to hear from Secretary Wobensmith, Maryland Secretary of State, who recently visited Asia on a Trade Mission with Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Secretary Wobensmith drew on this trip, which included time in the Republic of Korea, when describing the importance of international exchange, which programs such as the U.S. Congres - Republic of Korea National Assembly embodies.
Following Secretary Wobensmith, the Honorable Eliot Engel, ranking member on the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, delivered remarks which focused on the importance of diplomacy in appreciating similarities rather than differences between us all. Congressman Engel praised the program as an incredible opportunity for young leaders to foster relationships between their two countries, and reaffirmed his support for programs focused on international exchange.
Scott Thompson delivered the final remarks of the evening on behalf of Samsung Electronics America, who has continued to support the program for a second year as its corporate sponsor. Samsung used this event to engage with the U.S. and Korean participants during the U.S. - portion of the exchange, and is also excited to host the participants at the company’s new Innovation Museum in the exurban city of Suwon during their visit to Seoul. Click here to read more about Samsung and its support of educational programs like these that help prepare and equip young leaders to engage and collaborate with their peers, both locally and abroad.
Following remarks, guests – which included Members of Congress, staffers from various congressional offices, representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the U.S., think tanks experts, alumni of the exchange program, and this year’s cohort – enjoyed the opportunity to meet and connect with one another.
