SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - Luxembourg and South Korea are strengthening their ties through shared democratic values, strategic economic cooperation, and growing cultural exchanges. At the Luxembourg Embassy in central Seoul on February 20, Ambassador Jacques Flies spoke about the evolving relationship between the two nations and his hopes for the future.
"We are countries that believe in the same values—democracy, human rights, and the rule of law," Ambassador Flies said. "This shared commitment to the international rules-based order forms the backbone of our partnership." His remarks reflected Luxembourg’s unwavering support for global stability and security, emphasizing the interconnectedness of regional peace. "Stability in Europe matters to Korea, just as stability on the Korean Peninsula matters to Europe," he added.
Ambassador Flies highlighted the historical bond between the two countries, rooted in Luxembourg’s participation as one of the 16 combatant nations in the Korean War. "This shared history is a foundational element of our relationship," he explained. "I am always touched by how Korea continues to honor this legacy." He noted that this connection has been preserved through academic research, exhibitions, and cultural events that celebrate the stories of Luxembourg volunteers who served during the war.
The ambassador emphasized the cultural and people-to-people ties that have grown stronger over the years. He praised South Korea’s vibrant cultural scene and expressed enthusiasm for expanding cultural exchanges, particularly among young artists. "There is immense potential for collaboration in arts and culture," he said. "I would like to see more Luxembourg artists showcasing their work in Korea and vice versa."
He also discussed the recently established Working Holiday Program, which allows young people from both countries to live and work in the other for up to one year. Ambassador Flies expressed confidence that this program would deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the bridge between the two nations. "Young people are the future of our bilateral relations," he noted.
Economic cooperation is another pillar of Luxembourg-South Korea relations. Luxembourg is one of Europe’s leading financial hubs and the second-largest investment fund center in the world. "Luxembourg is a gateway to the European market for Korean companies," said Ambassador Flies. He highlighted the recent recognition of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange as a major overseas market for Korean issuers, which simplifies the listing process and makes Luxembourg an attractive platform for international bonds.
He also emphasized Luxembourg’s leadership in green and sustainable finance, noting that the Luxembourg Green Exchange holds the world’s largest market share of listed green bonds. "We need sustainable finance to tackle global challenges like climate change," he said. "Luxembourg offers a unique platform for responsible investment, and Korean issuers are welcome to explore these opportunities."
Luxembourg is also positioning itself as a tech and innovation hub, with a growing focus on FinTech and startups. The ambassador pointed to ongoing collaborations with Korea’s startup ecosystem through programs like Fit for Start and partnerships with the Global Digital Innovation Network. "We want to build bridges between Korea and Luxembourg for startups and tech companies," he said.
Ambassador Flies noted the strategic importance of nurturing bilateral relations through economic and technological collaboration. "Our economies are both future-oriented and innovation-driven," he said. "There is great potential for cooperation in sectors like green technology, digital finance, and space exploration."
Reflecting on Luxembourg’s multicultural identity, Ambassador Flies explained that the country’s openness is rooted in its history of immigration. "We are a multilingual society where most people are fluent in three to four languages," he said. "Luxembourg’s international character is shaped by waves of immigration, which have enriched our identity and made us a vibrant, inclusive society."
He concluded by expressing his optimism about the future of Luxembourg-South Korea relations. "We may be geographically distant, but our partnership is close and growing stronger every day," he said. "I look forward to seeing how our collaboration will continue to evolve, guided by shared values, strategic cooperation, and cultural exchanges."
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