On May 11, the National Assembly Research Service (NARS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Seoul Metropolitan Council at the Chairman's office of Seoul Metropolitan Council.

Since the local election in 1991, the role of council of local government has become important. This gave NARS, the think tank of the legislature, significant meaning when signing an MoU with the Seoul Metropolitan Council, the representative of council of local municipalities. They agreed to cooperate and build bilateral relations.

Earlier this year NARS laid out its plan to help strengthen policy capacity of council of local government during its New Year's briefing to National Assembly Speaker Chung Syekyun. This was the first agreement since its pledge. NARS expects this MoU to serve as a stepping stone to greater cooperation between the National Assembly and council of local governments.

Under the MoU the two parties agreed to 1) hold joint research studies and seminars on major issues, 2) exchange legislative information and relevant publications, 3) exchange personnel to strengthen professionalism and advance mutual understandings, and 4) carry out further mutual cooperation programs.

Dr. Lee Nae Young, Chief of NARS, commented that "Today's agreement will open up a new chapter for both institutions which will better serve the people through developing legislative policy in local and legislative branch" and went on to say "NARS would keep up its efforts for active and effective interactions."

NARS plans to expand its cooperative ties with other local councils.