INTERVIEW Luxembourg opens embassy in Seoul to elevate bilateral relations

Luxembourg's Ambassador to Korea Jacques Flies speaks on the bilateral relationship between Korea and Luxembourg during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Seoul. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

Luxembourg's Ambassador to Korea Jacques Flies highlighted the promising future of economic, scientific and cultural relations between Korea and Luxembourg. With the country opening its first resident embassy in Seoul and Korea preparing to establish its own in Luxembourg City, Flies sees this as an opportunity to deepen ties between the two countries.

"We now have the perfect set of tools to elevate our relationship to different levels," Flies said during a recent interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Seoul.

Flies, Luxembourg's first resident ambassador to Korea, shared his insights on the deep-rooted relationship between the two countries and his plans to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors. Flies has over 20 years of diplomatic experience, having previously served in positions such as secretary general of the government of Luxembourg and as a diplomat at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Flies emphasized the historical ties between Korea and Luxembourg, dating back to the Korean War.

"I cannot speak about the bilateral relationship without going back to its roots," he said. "Eighty-five Luxembourgish volunteers participated in the Korean War, the highest per capita participation of all combating nations at that time. This historical connection is a cornerstone of our relationship."

He underscored Luxembourg's strategic position in Europe, serving as a bridge between cultures and providing access to multiple European markets from one location.

"There is a lot already going on, but we believe there is much more potential to develop the economic relationship between Korea and Luxembourg," he said. "Luxembourg is a strategic location for European business, offering a multilingual and international environment that serves as a bridge between different cultures and business approaches."

The ambassador emphasized the active role of Luxembourg's Trade and Investment Office, which has been supporting Korean entrepreneurs expanding into Luxembourg and helping Luxembourg-based businesses enter the Korean market since 1997.

Luxembourg's Financial Center, renowned globally for its diverse financial services, also plays a pivotal role in connecting investors and markets.

"Luxembourg's financial center is one of the leading financial hubs in the world," he said. "Recently, the Korea Development Bank listed a $3 billion bond on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, highlighting the opportunities for Korean financial actors."

Luxembourg's advancements in space technology were also a focal point, with Flies mentioning Luxembourg's position as a pioneer in space resources and satellite technologies. He noted the country's collaboration with Korean counterparts in space exploration and expressed optimism about future joint initiatives.

"We also aim to develop research collaboration between Luxembourg and Korean institutions, especially with Korea's association with the Horizon Europe programs."

Horizon Europe is the European Union's key funding program for research and innovation, running from 2021 to 2027.

The photo shows a group picture of Luxembourgian veterans before their deployment to Korea. The War Memorial of Korea and the Embassy of Luxembourg in Seoul are co-hosting a special exhibition titled "Luxembourg and 85 Warriors," featuring Luxembourgian veterans of the Korean War, through Sept. 29. Courtesy of Korea War-memorial Organization

"Luxembourg is often reduced to its financial sector, but there is much more we have to offer," he said. "We are also leaders in green finance, space resources and cybersecurity."

Beyond economic ties, the ambassador emphasized the cultural exchange between the two countries, particularly the growing interest in Korean culture among Luxembourgers, fueled by the global popularity of the Korean wave.

"There is a lot of interest in Korea in Luxembourg, especially among younger people," he said.

The ambassador highlighted the importance of mutual cultural understanding and ongoing partnerships in scientific research and education.

"We aim to promote Luxembourgish culture in Korea and foster scientific cooperation between universities and research institutes," he said, stressing the significance of building bridges between the Korean and Luxembourgish cultural scenes.

"It's important to me to foster cooperation and common cultural projects between artists from both countries," Flies said. He also praised the King Sejong Institute in Luxembourg for its efforts in promoting Korean culture.

"The King Sejong Institute organizes cultural events and Korean language courses, creating an important driver for cultural cooperation."

Reflecting on his mission, Flies expressed his desire to make Luxembourg better known in Korea.

"One of my main goals is to put Luxembourg on the map in Korea. While Luxembourg is remembered for its participation in the Korean War, I aim to increase awareness and knowledge about modern Luxembourg," he said.

"I want to work on enhancing Luxembourg's visibility and fostering our excellent bilateral relationship."

Concluding the interview, the ambassador conveyed a message to the Korean public, emphasizing the charm and potential of his home country.

"Luxembourg is often called the Greenhouse of Europe. We can grow together by exchanging knowledge, culture and experiences. The embassy is here to provide all the information people need about Luxembourg, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us," he said.