Contact
Geoff Potter
Director of International Relations and Protocol
Offices of the Governor and Lt. Governor
Post Office Box 40002
Olympia, Washington 98504
360-867-8690
geoff.potter@gov.wa.gov
The Office of International Relations represents Gov. Inslee, 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
One of Gov. Inslee’s top trade priorities is promoting Washington exports and attracting international Foreign Direct Investments. The governor’s office has led several international trade missions.
Past events include:
- 2024 Trade mission to Vietnam - photos
- 2023 Paris air show - photos
- 2022 Trade mission to Norway, Finland and Sweden
- 2018 Representation at the 55th Anniversary Ceremonies of Hyogo Prefecture - photos
- 2018 Representation at the Inaugural Ceremonies of the President of Mexico
- Trade mission to Switzerland, Germany and Italy
- 2017 Trade mission to Mexico and meeting with President Peña Nieto
- 2015 Trade mission to Korea and Japan - photos
- 2014 Farnborough air show - photos
- 2013 Trade mission to Japan and China - photos
- 2013 Paris air show
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. Major events include:
- 2024 Official visit of HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway - statement
- 2023 Official visit of President Sauli Niinistö of Finland
- 2023 Official visit of Premier David Eby of British Columbia
- 2019 Official visit of Premier John Horgan of British Columbia
- 2018 Hyogo 55th Anniversary of the Sister State Relationship - photos
- 2018 visit of her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
- 2018 visit of President Gudni Johannesson of Iceland
- 2017 Official visit of President Michelle Bachelet of Chile
- 2017 Official visit of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada
- 2016 Jeollabuk-do, Korea 20th Anniversary of the Sister State Relationship - photos
- 2015 Official visit of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway
- 2015 Official visit of President Michael Higgins of Ireland
- 2015 State visit of President Xi Jinping of China - photos
- 2014 The Boao Forum for Asia Seattle Conference
- 2013 Hyogo, Japan 50th Anniversary of the sister state relationship - photos
The office has supported the visits of more than 60 ambassadorial and ministerial level guests of the state from more than 20 countries since 2013. The governor's office routinely sponsors or participates in conferences, seminars and promotional events in conjunctions with our international partners.
International leadership
Gov. Inslee has had important leadership roles in major international conferences
- 2022 United Nations Climate Conference (COP 27) - photos
- 2021 United Nations Climate Conference (COP 26)
- 2018 Participation in the Davos World Economic Forum
- 2017 address to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia - photos
- 2017 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany (COP 23)- Photo
- Presentations at the United Nations on climate issues
- Presentations at World Economic Forum meetings
- Support for the Cascadia Innovation Corridor
- 2015 United Nations Paris Climate Conference (COP 21) - photos
- Support for the Global Innovation Exchange
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: