Contact
Director of International Relations and Protocol
Offices of the Governor and Lt. Governor
Post Office Box 40002
Olympia, Washington 98504
360-867-8690
The Office of International Relations represents Gov. Ferguson, the lieutenant governor and state departments to all foreign countries, international trade organizations, international educational groups and cultural organizations. The office coordinates the governor’s and lieutenant governor's official international activities and the director serves as the chief protocol officer for Washington state. The office also manages sister state relationships.
Washington has received more than 200 visiting trade, education and government delegations from more than 30 countries since 2013.
Washington trade
Exports and foreign direct investment are vital to Washington state’s economic growth. At least one in three jobs is related directly or indirectly to international trade, making this one of the most globally integrated states in America.
Get more info on trade and foreign investment from the Department of Commerce and its partner resources: Washington’s guide to export.
Trade and study missions
Promoting Washington exports and attracting international Foreign Direct Investments has historically been a top trade priority Washington's governor. As Governor Ferguson will lead international trade missions, where necessary.
In addition to missions led by the governor or lieutenant governor, the Washington departments of Commerce and Agriculture sponsor several trade missions each year to promote Washington exports.
Hosting major international events and dignitaries
The governor’s office hosts major international events and dignitaries. The governor's office routinely sponsors or participates in conferences, seminars and promotional events in conjunctions with our international partners. Information about the events hosted or attended by Governor Ferguson's office will be posted here, as they occur.
International sister states of Washington state
- Washington has seven formal state relationships:
- Kyiv Region, Ukraine (2024)
- Hyogo, Japan (1963)
- Sichuan, China (1982)
- Pangasinan, Philippines (1996)
- Jalisco, Mexico (1996)
- Jeollabuk-do, Korea (1996)
- Andhra-Pradesh, India (2012)
- Sister mountain of the State of Washington
- Mount Rainier and Mount Fuji, Japan (1936)
Partners in promoting international relations
Our state works with several trade and cultural organizations including: