President Lee Begins European Tour with Diaspora Meeting in Belgium

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung commenced his European tour on June 9 (local time) with a gathering of the Korean diaspora in Brussels, Belgium. This event, held at a local hotel, was the first presidential meeting with expatriates in Belgium, a strategically important location for the European Union and NATO.

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The Korean community in Belgium has grown into a small but strong community trusted locally, supported by the development and status of our motherland, South Korea. I hope that the president's visit to Belgium, the heart of Europe, will bear great fruit, and the diaspora community will strive even harder to play a role as a bridge between the two countries.

Attended by approximately 50 Korean residents along with key government figures including Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and National Security Advisor Wi Sung-rak, the meeting underscored the importance of the diaspora. "The Korean community in Belgium has grown into a small but strong community trusted locally, supported by the development and status of our motherland, South Korea," said Im Eun-hee, president of the Korean Residents Association in Belgium. She expressed hope that the president's visit would yield significant results and pledged the community's continued efforts to serve as a bridge between the two nations.

President Lee, in his address, acknowledged the enhanced global standing of South Korea and credited the diaspora for their role in connecting Korea and Belgium. "The diaspora members living in Belgium must be feeling South Korea's elevated status," Lee stated. "This is thanks to the dedication and efforts of all of you, who have steadfastly served as a strong bridge connecting Korea and Belgium without forgetting your identity."

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The Korean diaspora members living in Belgium must be feeling South Korea's elevated status. This is thanks to the dedication and efforts of all of you, who have steadfastly served as a strong bridge connecting Korea and Belgium without forgetting your identity.

He further emphasized his commitment to better understanding the concerns of Koreans abroad. "To listen more closely to the voices of our diaspora, we will strive to make our overseas missions platforms that capture the voices of our citizens, going beyond formal diplomatic duties," Lee pledged. The president's schedule in Belgium includes bilateral summits with the Belgian Prime Minister and a meeting with the King of Belgium on June 10, followed by official engagements with the EU.

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To listen more closely to the voices of our diaspora, we will strive to make our overseas missions platforms that capture the voices of our citizens, going beyond formal diplomatic duties.