Maryland Hosts the South Korean Ministry of Public Safety and Security

Maryland Hosts the South Korean Ministry of Public Safety and Security

First Lady Yumi Hogan, MEMA and State Officials Discuss Disaster Management and Public Safety Programs in Maryland with Korean Delegation

REISTERSTOWN, Md. (March 22, 2015) — Maryland hosted Minister In-yong Park and top officials from the South Korean Ministry of Public Safety and Security at the Maryland Emergency Management Agency today. The foreign delegation visited in order to discuss best practices in emergency management and learn about Maryland’s programs and processes for incident response, disaster recovery and other public safety topics. The delegation was welcomed by Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan, Maryland Secretary of State John C. Wobensmith, MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland, Maryland Governor’s Office of Homeland Security Director Pete Landon, Maryland Governor’s Senior Advisor Clay Stamp and other state officials.

“Maryland and South Korea share a long history of friendship and cooperation based on common values and interests,” said First Lady Hogan. “Through today’s meaningful discussion of our state’s achievements in disaster management and public safety, it is my hope that our regions can continue to strengthen that relationship to ensure our citizens’ safety and well-being.”

Maryland hosts international delegations as a way to continue to improve international relations, learn from other countries and promote successful Maryland programs. MEMA regularly hosts foreign visitors to provide emergency management subject matter expertise.

“We are honored that the government of South Korea has called on the State of Maryland and members of its emergency management team to share ideas on such critical issues,” said Maryland Secretary of State John Wobensmith. “Maryland has a unique experience in this area and is well positioned to assist foreign delegations in protecting their citizens.”

“It is important to share successful emergency management practices with both our domestic and international counterparts,” added MEMA Executive Director Russ Strickland. “Collaboration and new ideas help build better disaster preparedness programs, which improves the safety of Marylanders.”