Europe Day 2023 highlights 60th anniversary of Korea-EU ties

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Tue, September 26, 2023 | 08:12

Foreign Affairs

Europe Day 2023 highlights 60th anniversary of Korea-EU ties

Posted : 2023-05-12 13:55

Updated : 2023-05-14 15:20

EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez delivers a speech during the Europe Day 2023 reception at Samcheonggak, central Seoul, May 9. Courtesy of EU Delegation in Korea

By Kwon Mee-yoo

The Delegation of the European Union to Korea celebrated Europe Day 2023 on May 9, marking the 60-year milestone of shared accomplishments between Korea and the EU. Twenty-four member states presented diverse aspects of Europe from wine and cheese to Picasso and Moomins.

During the celebrations at Samcheonggak in the heart of Seoul, EU Ambassador to Korea Maria Castillo Fernandez highlighted the robust alliance between Europe and Korea, based on mutual values and shared interests.

"This is a year very important for the EU and Korea because we are proud of 60 years of great joint achievements. With the current war and geopolitical tensions, my friends, let me recall to you what the European Union is. First and foremost, it's a peace project. On May 9, 1950, French foreign minister Robert Schuman suggested a new form of cooperation in Europe that would make the war between European nations unthinkable. His declaration, the Schuman declaration, laid the foundations of what would become the European Union, based on principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law," Castillo Fernandez said.

Guests to the Europe Day 2023 reception enjoy Italy's booth at Samcheonggak, central Seoul, May 9. Courtesy of EU Delegation in Korea

In particular, she expressed that she valued the 60th anniversary, which is characterized by a solid relationship between Korea and the EU, noting that Korea holds the distinction of being the EU's first Asian partner in numerous ways.

"It's our 'hwangap,' which is so important in Korean culture. It doesn't mark the end of a cycle. Let's be more positive. This is the first start towards a new era together with new challenges and new opportunities. But I think, Europe and the Republic of Korea, we have a lot to be proud of," the ambassador said.

"We are natural partners who share common values and interests and the experience of rising from the ruins of war. The EU integration transformed Europe into a continent of peace and prosperity and the Republic of Korea has emerged as an economic power and democracy in a very short period of time."

Greek Ambassador to Korea Ekaterini Loupas, second from left, introduces her country's booth during the Europe Day 2023 reception at Samcheonggak, central Seoul, May 9. Courtesy of EU Delegation in Korea

She noted that Korea is the first Asian partner with whom the EU had a framework partnership agreement on cooperation, a free trade agreement as well as a framework agreement for participation in crisis management and security.

"Diplomatic anniversaries are also a good opportunity to lay the foundations of what is ahead. Historic events are changing the world and are changing our societies, our economy, our lives. First, the COVID pandemic and then Putin's war ... These unprecedented challenging times call for deepening our cooperation with our true like-minded partners, like the Republic of Korea. It's a vital necessity. It's our hope for a more resilient future. It's our duty," she said.

The ambassador listed various collaborative initiatives such as the Republic of Korea-European Union Digital Partnership, and the Republic of Korea-European Union Green Partnership, which are committed to sustainable and climate-neutral economies, and joint efforts to enhance health emergency preparedness to name but a few aspects.

Guests to the Europe Day 2023 reception try Bulgarian food at the country's booth at Samcheonggak, central Seoul, May 9. Courtesy of EU Delegation in Korea

Deputy Foreign Minister Choi Young-sam underscored Korea's vision to be a global pivotal state, seeing the EU as an ideal partner in achieving this goal, and vowed Korea's commitment to being a strong ally to the EU in Asia.

"Commemorating this year's 60s anniversary, the two sides are seeking another significant upgrade of this partnership ― a stronger and elevated strategic and security discussion will be put on the table in the days to come," Choi said.

"Last year, the Republic of Korea laid out this very important vision to serve as a global pivotal state, GPS in short. This initiative envisions a Korea that actively contributes to promoting freedom, peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, especially by closely working with our true friends in the global community. In this regard, the EU is ready and will be an ideal partner in achieving our GPS vision. And Korea will also do its best to be the EU's perfect partner and friend in Asia."

meeyoo@koreatimes.co.kr