Members of the National Diet of Japan and National Assembly of the Republic of Korea visited Washington, DC on April 30 for a week-long program, the latest iteration of the JUSFC Thomas S. Foley Legislative Exchange.
Three legislators each from Japan and Korea met with U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) and U.S. Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), as well as staff members from the United States Congress, U.S. Trade Representative, and other local experts on U.S.-Asia policy.
Visiting participants included:
The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea
Mr. Hyung Du CHOI (People Power Party) Head of Delegation
Mr. Hae Sik LEE (Democratic Party of Korea)
Ms. Sunwoo KANG (Democratic Party of Korea)
The National Diet of Japan
Ms. Kuniko INOGUCHI (LDP, Upper House) Co-Chair
Mr. Masaharu NAKAGAWA (CDP, Lower House) Co-Chair
Mr. Mitsunari OKAMOTO (Komeito, Lower House)
As an ongoing exchange program, the Thomas S. Foley Exchange carries a 35-year legacy of frank interactions among legislators from the three countries to explore areas of mutual interest.
Support for the program is provided by the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (an independent U.S. federal agency) and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation, with in-kind support from the Japan Economic Foundation and cooperation from the Korean National Assembly Parliamentary Office.