By Sohn JiAe
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in greeted Princess Astrid of Belgium along with a delegation of 250 or so economic experts who accompanied her to Cheong Wa Dae on June 13.

Mentioning the Korea-Belgium relationship that has lasted since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1901, President Moon said, “Trade between our two countries has continuously grown over the past years, especially since the signing of the Korea-EU free trade agreement. Hopefully, we will continue to develop our economic strengths across chemistry, medicine and information technology.”



Regarding issues involving North Korea, the president said, “Not only sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang, but also dialogue are required to address these North Korean issues. I acknowledge that your country has played a leading role in unifying the EU in this regard, which gives us a good example of how to proceed.”

In response, the Belgian royal said, “I am thankful for you sending a special envoy to the EU for the first time since you took office.”

Mentioning that the princess had served as a member of the International Paralympic Committee Honorary Board, President Moon concluded by saying, “I hope you will make sure to revisit Korea during next year’s PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

jiae5853@korea.kr