President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) on July 25 holds a meeting with Luxembourgish Prime Minister Xavier Bettel at the presidential office in Seoul.
By Park Hye Ri
Photos = Office of the President
President Yoon Suk Yeol held a meeting with Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel on the afternoon of July 25. The two leaders discussed ways to develop bilateral relations and bolster practical cooperation, and exchanged views on the current international situation.
“I welcome the Luxembourg Prime Minister’s visit to Korea in this significant year that marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement,” said President Yoon, expressing his gratitude to Luxembourg for making an unprecedented decision to send combat troops to protect Korea’s freedom and democracy.
During the talks, the two leaders agreed to expand bilateral trade and investment and strengthen cooperation in space, quantum science, and technology.
When Prime Minister Bettel said that Luxembourg is currently preparing to open an embassy in Korea within this year, President Yoon replied “I hope the opening of the embassy will lead to closer communication between our two countries.”
President Yoon then emphasized the need for a united international response to North Korea’s escalating nuclear and missile threats. Prime Minister Vettel agreed and pledged to work together with President Yoon.
Referring to President Yoon’s recent visit to Ukraine, Vettel said, “Let’s continue our solidarity and support for Ukraine.”
Prior to the meeting, President Yoon met Luxembourg Korean War veteran Leon Moyen, who is also on a visit to Korea.
“We will never forget war veteran Moyen’s bravery to dedicate himself to defending the freedom of a faraway foreign country,” said President Yoon.
Moyen expressed regret over not visiting Korea sooner, adding if it had not been for the Covid-19 pandemic, he would have been able to bring some of his recently deceased veteran friends while they were still alive.
President Yoon Suk Yeol (right) shakes hands with New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro at the presidential office in Seoul.
On the same day, President Yoon also held talks with New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro and discussed ways to improve bilateral relations.
President Yoon expressed gratitude to Governor-General Kiro for her country’s war veterans’ sacrifice and dedication on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
During the meeting, the two noted that “as traditional allies, Korea and New Zealand have developed a cooperative relationship in various fields based on shared values.”
They also pledged active governmental support to revitalize future-oriented exchanges by promoting tourism, culture and human exchanges between the two countries.
hrhr@korea.kr
