President Lee Meets Belgian Prime Minister for Talks on Advanced Industry and Technology Cooperation

President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on June 10, discussing a wide range of topics including economic, trade, advanced industry, education cooperation, and security issues.

Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong provided details during a local briefing at a hotel in Brussels.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation based on the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement, which marks its 15th anniversary this year.

They specifically focused on strategic industries such as battery materials and energy, where recent investments have been active, committing to support business activities in these sectors.

Additionally, an agreement on cooperation for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups was signed, aiming to help businesses in both countries use each other as a base for overseas expansion and mutual growth.

Efforts to resume direct flight routes to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two nations were also discussed.

Regarding advanced industry and scientific technology cooperation, President Lee noted that over 120 Korean researchers are collaborating in the field of nano-semiconductors at IMEC, a semiconductor research institute in Belgium. He expressed hope for continued research collaboration to share the benefits of future semiconductor technology advancements.

Prime Minister De Wever responded, stating, "Cooperation with Korea, which has global semiconductor companies, is beneficial for Belgium," and expressed his commitment to strengthening collaboration in this field.

The two leaders agreed to expand educational cooperation, including a support agreement for a Korean studies professorship between the Korea Foundation and KU Leuven, as well as plans to establish a graduate program at the Songdo Global Campus of Ghent University.

On security issues, both leaders acknowledged the close connection between security in Europe and Asia, emphasizing that peace on the Korean Peninsula contributes to international stability and prosperity.

They reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based international order, multilateralism, and free trade in the face of geopolitical crises such as the Middle East conflict and discussed ways to cooperate as like-minded partners.

President Lee explained the South Korean government's efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea and requested Belgium's support for South Korea's policies regarding the Korean Peninsula.

He expressed significance in visiting Belgium as his first European destination since taking office and thanked the country for its commitment and sacrifices during the Korean War.

Prime Minister De Wever highlighted the historical ties between the two nations and reaffirmed Belgium's ongoing contribution to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as a member of the United Nations Command.

Following the summit, President Lee also met with King Philippe of Belgium. The Blue House reported that the meeting was conducted with only an interpreter present.

Spokesperson Kang assessed the summit as a meaningful meeting that fostered ties between the two leaders on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations, stating, "This meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for future cooperation, particularly in establishing mutual bases for economic collaboration between SMEs and creating new momentum for cooperation for future generations."