1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul had a working breakfast with Luxembourg's Vice Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, who is on an official visit to Korea, on Wednesday, July 3. The two ministers discussed a range of areas, including bilateral relations, regional issues and cooperation in international fora.

2. In the meeting with Minister Bettel, Minister Cho extended congratulations on the official opening of the Embassy of Luxembourg in Korea, and stated that the Korean government is also planning to establish its embassy in Luxembourg. He also expressed his hope to further enhance exchanges and cooperation between the two countries through the reciprocal establishment of permanent missions.

3. In addition, Minister Cho appreciated that Luxembourg, which fought on the side of the Republic of Korea during the Korean War and shares common values with Korea, has enhanced cooperation with Korea across diverse fields for 60 years. He particularly emphasized that Luxembourg dispatched the largest number of soldiers relative to its population during the Korean War. In response, Minister Bettel invited President Yoon Suk Yeol and Foreign Minister Cho to visit Luxembourg, saying that it would be good news for Luxembourg's Korean War veterans and their families.

4. Minister Bettel highlighted that Luxembourg has always valued its ties with Korea, a major economic power and leader in advanced science and technology. He particularly expressed his hope that Korean businesses would increase their presence and investment in Luxembourg and the two countries would further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas such as the defense industry and medical technology.

※ As of December 2023, Korea's cumulative investments in Luxembourg are $45.7 billion, making it a top investment destination for Korea among European countries.

5. Minister Cho expressed concern over the recent Russia-DPRK military cooperation, which poses a threat to peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in Europe and the world. He requested Luxembourg's continued cooperation on this issue. In response, Minister Bettel acknowledged the Korean government's policies and efforts for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed Luxembourg's support for them.

6. Minister Bettel welcomed Korea's aid to Ukraine and emphasized the international community's continued support for Ukraine. Minister Cho reaffirmed that Korea will continue to cooperate on this matter.

7. Minister Cho also highlighted that in line with the Yoon Suk Yeol government's diplomatic vision of a Global Pivotal State, Korea successfully hosted international conferences in the first half of 2024, including the third Summit for Democracy, the AI Seoul Summit, and the Korea-Africa Summit. Minister Bettel congratulated Korea on the successful hosting of these international meetings, including the Korea-Africa Summit.

8. The two ministers also exchanged views on regional developments in Northeast Asia and the Middle East, and agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation on major global issues.

9. Furthermore, before the meeting, the two ministers signed the "Korea-Luxembourg Working Holiday Memorandum of Understanding." This agreement allows up to 100 citizens each from Korea and Luxembourg, aged between 18 and 35, annually to engage in short-term employment and language exchange programs and to experience each country’s cultures and lifestyles.