President Lee Expands Semiconductor and Battery Cooperation with Belgium... Kicks Off European Economic Diplomacy

Summit with Prime Minister De Wever Marks 125th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
Strengthening Cooperation in Strategic Industries and Startups
Expanding Partnership with World-Renowned Semiconductor Institute IMEC
Exploring Resumption of Direct Flights and New Graduate Program at Ghent University
Promoting Greater People-to-People Exchanges
Upcoming Talks with the EU on Trade and Security Issues

On June 10, President Lee Jae-myung held a summit meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels, Belgium, where they discussed ways to advance bilateral relations, economic and trade cooperation, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Marking the 125th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in semiconductors, batteries, energy, and the small- and medium-sized enterprises and startup sectors, building on the historical bond established through Belgium's participation in the Korean War.

President Lee Jae-myung and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever are waiting to begin their meeting at the Prime Minister's residence in Brussels on June 10, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Kang Yoo-jung, Senior Presidential Spokesperson, held a briefing at the local press center in Belgium on the same day, stating, "President Lee expressed that it is meaningful to visit Belgium, which is marking the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as part of his first European tour since taking office." Prime Minister De Wever responded, "We are delighted to welcome the President of the Republic of Korea to Belgium this year as we celebrate over a century of friendship between our two countries."

President Lee first expressed his gratitude to Belgium for dispatching combat troops during the Korean War and dedicating themselves to the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea. President Lee noted that Belgium's participation contributed to Korea's growth into a top-10 global economy. Prime Minister De Wever commented that the historical bond between the two countries has become a solid foundation for bilateral relations and that Belgium, as a member of the United Nations Command, will continue to contribute to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The two leaders commended the robust economic and trade partnership built on the Korea-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement, which marks its 15th anniversary this year. Noting the increasing investment between companies in both countries, particularly in batteries, materials, and energy, they agreed to support and foster further cooperation focused on strategic industries.

During this visit, the two countries will also sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation for the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises and startups. Both sides agreed to strengthen communication and collaboration between SMEs in Korea and Belgium and to strive for mutual growth by serving as bases for each other's overseas expansion.

The leaders also discussed ways to facilitate greater exchanges of people and goods. Both sides agreed to continue exploring the resumption of direct flights between Korea and Belgium. Given Belgium's status as a major logistics hub in Europe and the political and economic center of the EU, the resumption of direct flights is expected to further promote exchanges between businesses and citizens of both countries.

Semiconductor cooperation was also a major agenda item. President Lee mentioned that over 120 Korean researchers are collaborating with leading global researchers in the field of nano semiconductors at IMEC, a world-renowned semiconductor research institute based in Belgium. President Lee expressed hope that research collaboration through IMEC between the two countries will continue to expand, allowing both sides to benefit from advancements in future semiconductor technologies. Prime Minister De Wever stated that cooperation with Korea, home to world-class semiconductor companies, is beneficial for Belgium and conveyed his interest in strengthening partnership in this field.

President Lee Jae-myung and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever shake hands before a summit meeting at the Prime Minister’s residence in Brussels on June 10, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

Cooperation in the field of education will also be expanded. The two governments agreed to continuously broaden educational cooperation, including by signing an agreement to establish a Korean Studies professorship between the Korea Foundation and KU Leuven, and by pursuing the creation of a new graduate program at Ghent University’s Songdo Global Campus. Prime Minister De Wever expressed hope that exchanges and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations will be further enhanced.

The two leaders exchanged views on key regional situations, including developments on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe. They shared the understanding that security in Europe and Asia is closely interconnected, and that peace on the Korean Peninsula contributes to the stability and prosperity of the international community beyond the region. President Lee explained the South Korean government’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and requested Belgium’s continued interest and support for its policy toward the Korean Peninsula.

Additionally, President Lee will hold summit meetings with Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. This visit to the EU comes at the invitation of the EU and marks the first visit by a South Korean president to the EU in eight years. The Korea-EU summit will broadly discuss bilateral cooperation in security and defense, economic and trade issues, climate and renewable energy, as well as digital and advanced science and technology. Major regional issues such as the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East, along with global agendas, will also be addressed.

President Lee Jae-myung and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever are moving to the summit venue inside the Prime Minister's residence in Brussels on June 10, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

The Office of the President explained that, as the EU is Korea’s third-largest trading partner, trade issues related to the activities of Korean companies in the EU will also be discussed during the summit. In particular, President Lee plans to convey the position that regulatory measures being considered by the EU, such as the steel Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), should not become new trade barriers, despite their stated aims of strengthening EU competitiveness and responding to climate change.

The two sides are also expected to reaffirm the importance of a rules-based international order, multilateralism, and a free trade system in the face of geopolitical crises and rapidly changing global circumstances. Senior Spokesperson Kang stated, "Both countries plan to reaffirm the importance of a rules-based international order, multilateralism, and a free trade system amid geopolitical crises such as the war in the Middle East and turbulent global developments, and to discuss ways to cooperate as partners who share similar positions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.