Belgium celebrates 2025 King’s Day in Seoul

At Belgium’s King’s Day celebration held late last week in Seoul, Belgian Amb. Bruno Jans highlighted that South Korea and Belgium will mark 125 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.

He stressed that the two nations have forged deep and enduring ties over more than a century, building a relationship grounded in trust, peace, and respect for international norms.

Amb. Jans noted that despite their long history of cooperation, continued efforts toward global peace remain essential.

Pointing to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, he expressed concern over the continued suffering of the Ukrainian people and stressed the importance of international solidarity.

The diplomat also reminded attendees that the Korea–EU Summit will take place in Brussels next year, underscoring the ongoing cooperation between Korea and Belgium in trade, investment, science, academia, and culture.

He added that the Belgium Chamber of Commerce is set to launch next year to further expand business opportunities between the two countries. Ahead of this initiative, the Belgian Embassy has already hosted two major economic seminars showcasing Belgium’s strengths in biotech, green technology, and life sciences.

Looking ahead to another milestone, Jans noted that 2026 will also mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of Belgian troops in Korea during the Korean War. He emphasized that this shared history continues to form a meaningful pillar of the bilateral relationship.

Representing the Korean government, Lee Kyung-chul, South Korea’s High Representative to the UN Security Council from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, paid tribute to the 3,500 Belgian soldiers who fought alongside Korean and UN forces during the Korean War.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Cho Hyun held talks with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Europe and Development Maxime Prévot during Prévot’s visit to Seoul on Sept. 18.

The two officials exchanged views on high-level exchanges, practical cooperation, and current regional and global issues.

Minister Cho talked about the significance of the meeting, noting that it was his first bilateral engagement with a European counterpart since taking office, and that it marked the first visit by a Belgian foreign minister to Korea in 14 years.

He expressed hope that the discussions would contribute to strengthening cooperation between the two new governments.

Minister Prévot congratulated Minister Cho on his appointment and acknowledged the historically strong ties between the two nations, especially the role of the Belgian soldiers who fought to defend democracy in Korea.

He expressed hope that his visit would serve as a starting point to further revitalize high-level exchanges and expand bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration in economic security and defense amid increasing global uncertainty.

Minister Cho outlined Korea’s efforts to reduce tensions and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula and requested Belgium’s continued support.

The two ministers also exchanged views on European affairs and major international issues, agreeing to deepen bilateral cooperation for global peace and stability.

Minister Cho further emphasized the importance of next year’s 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations and expressed hope that it will serve as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations.