President Lee Jae-myung, who is visiting Belgium, held a summit with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels on the 10th local time. It was the first meeting with a Belgian leader since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
According to senior presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the two leaders exchanged views on ways to advance bilateral relations and on international affairs in key regions.
Lee said, "I find it meaningful to visit Belgium, which marks the 125th anniversary of diplomatic ties, on my first European tour since taking office," and expressed gratitude by noting, "Belgium's dedication in dispatching combat troops during the Korean War helped Korea emerge as a top-10 global economic power."
De Wever said, "Our historical bonds have become a solid foundation for bilateral relations," and added, "As a member of the U.N. Command, Belgium will continue to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."
The two leaders assessed that, based on the Korea-EU free trade agreement (FTA), which marks its 15th year in force this year, the two countries have built a solid economic and trade cooperation relationship. They also agreed to support the expansion of investment between the two countries' corporations in batteries, materials and energy as strategic industries.
In particular, based on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and ventures to be signed on the occasion of this summit, the two countries agreed to serve as launch pads for each other's SMEs to expand overseas and pursue joint growth.
Cooperation in semiconductors was also a key agenda item. Lee noted that more than 150 Korean researchers are working with Imec (IMEC), Europe's largest nonprofit, comprehensive semiconductor research institute established by Belgium, collaborating in nano and semiconductor fields.
Lee said, "I hope research cooperation between the two countries through Imec will continue to expand so that we can share the benefits of future advances in semiconductor technology." De Wever also said, "Cooperation with Korea, home to world-class semiconductor corporations, is beneficial for Belgium," adding, "I will ensure the relevant ministries pay attention so that cooperation between the two countries is strengthened."
They also discussed ways to expand cooperation in education. The two countries exchanged views on a support agreement to establish a Korean studies professorship between the Korea Foundation and KU Leuven, and on promoting the creation of a graduate program at Ghent University's Songdo Global Campus.
To invigorate exchanges between the two countries, they also agreed to explore ways to resume direct flights linking Korea and Belgium.
On regional affairs, they shared the view that security in Europe and Asia is closely connected and that peace on the Korean Peninsula contributes to the stability and prosperity of the international community. Lee explained the Korean government's efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and asked for Belgium's interest in and support for Korean Peninsula policy.
Spokesperson Kang said of the summit, "We have established a mutually supportive base for economic cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises with Belgium, Europe's key logistics hub and the political and economic capital of the EU," adding, "As we have created new momentum to expand cooperation for future generations, we expect it to serve as a cornerstone for the two countries' development."