Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held bilateral talks on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot of the Kingdom of Belgium, who was visiting the Republic of Korea from September 17 to 18. The two ministers exchanged views on high-level exchanges, substantive bilateral cooperation, and regional and international issues.

Minister Cho noted that this meeting marked his first bilateral talks with a European counterpart since taking office, and highlighted the significance of the visit as it was the first bilateral visit to Korea by a Belgian Foreign Minister in 14 years. He expressed his hope that the meeting would contribute to strengthening relations between the new governments of both countries and to deepening bilateral cooperation across various fields.

Minister Prévot extended his congratulations on Minister Cho’s inauguration and recalled the special historical ties between Korea and Belgium, underscoring that 3,500 Belgian soldiers fought during the Korean War to defend democracy on the Korean Peninsula. He commended the steady expansion of exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and expressed his hope that his visit would serve as a catalyst for further strengthening high-level exchanges and broadening multidimensional cooperation between Korea and Belgium.

Minister Prévot also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in areas such as economic security and the defense industry, particularly amid growing global uncertainty, and proposed that the two sides continue close consultations in these fields.

Minister Cho outlined the Korean government’s ongoing efforts to reduce tensions and establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, and requested Belgium’s continued support and cooperation in these endeavors. The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Europe and other major international issues, reaffirming their shared commitment to working together for international peace and stability.

Furthermore, both ministers agreed to maintain close communication to ensure that the 125th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year serves as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations.