Office of International Relations

Governor Inslee Toured Mitsubishi Regional Jet Factory in Japan
Governor Inslee Toured Mitsubishi Regional Jet Factory in Japan
Governor Jay Inslee participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference’s Conference of the Parties in Bonn, Germany, in November 2017 to help reassure global leaders of American commitment to climate action.
Governor Jay Inslee participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference’s Conference of the Parties in Bonn, Germany, in November 2017 to help reassure global leaders of American commitment to climate action.
Korean Musicians and Dancers perform in the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate visiting Governor Song of Jeollabuk-Do Korea
Korean Musicians and Dancers perform in the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate visiting Governor Song of Jeollabuk-Do Korea
Planting a tree with sister state Jeollabuk-Do South Korea
Governor Inslee, Governor Song of Jeollabuk-Do and former Governor Mike Lowry plant a tree in recognition of the sister state relationship between Washington state and Jeollabuk-Do South Korea.
In 2017 while visiting Italy Governor Jay Inslee met with President Catiuscia Marini of the Umbria Region.
In 2017 while visiting Italy Governor Jay Inslee met with President Catiuscia Marini of the Umbria Region.
Governor Inslee traveled to Victoria, British Colombia, Canada to address the Legislative Assembly.
Governor Inslee traveled to Victoria, British Colombia, Canada to address the Legislative Assembly.
Governor Inslee met with British Colombia Premier John Horgan.
Governor Inslee met with British Colombia Premier John Horgan.
55th Anniversary Celebration of Washington's sister state relationship with Hyogo
55th Anniversary Celebration of Washington's sister state relationship with Hyogo
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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:

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:

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 

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: