Credit: Chronicle.lu

On Thursday 27 July 2023, on the third day of a three-day visit to South Korea, Luxembourg's Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, started off with a meeting with South Korea's Minister of Patriots and Veteran Affairs, Park Min-Sik.

Prime Minister Bettel started off by mentioning that the Luxembourgish Korean War veteran Léon Moyen had told him that he never dreamt of meeting the president of South Korea, it meant so much for him and was quite emotional. The Prime Minister stressed that we need to keep the memories "high" of wars, including when young people from Luxembourg fight for democracy. He added "history is repeating itself", in a reference to the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Prime Minister Bettel then made three points:

- he referenced the new embassy of Luxembourg in South Korea, which is scheduled to open at end of the year

- he mentioned the exhibition at the Military History Museum in Diekirch in Luxembourg of young Luxembourgish volunteers who fought in the Korean War and stated that he hopes to have this exhibition at the opening of the new embassy

- he stated that it was important during his mandate to bring a Luxembourgish veteran to South Korea; "we have five survivors" he added, and stated "if you come to Luxembourg it would be the biggest honour to show them that we don't forget them"

Prime Minister Bettel pointed out that Luxembourg is the only country of the UN countries who fought in the Korean War that the South Korean president has not yet visited... "I want to thank you and congratulate Korea - there is a high respect for countries such as Luxembourg and this respect is greatly appreciated," he emphasised.

South Korea's Minister Park Min-Sik stated that the values of freedom are very important and added "we must remember such values". He said that he was very surprised to learn that there are still five Luxembourgish Korean war veterans alive today. He pointed out that Luxembourg sent the largest number of veterans per capita to the Korean War. "I will be sure to visit Luxembourg in September" he committed, in response to the invitation extended.

To Jacques Flies, currently Secretary General of the Government Cabinet (Conseil de gouvernement) and the Ambassador-designate of Luxembourg to South Korea, he offered help from his ministry concerning veteran affairs.

Prime Minister Bettel thanked Ambassador Pierre Ferring for his role as ambassador and during his previous role as diplomatic advisor, and explained that the Ambassador-designate is currently working closely with him, and knows how the Luxembourg government works.

The issue of the upcoming general election in Luxembourg was raised, with Prime Minister Bettel stating he was unsure if he could visit South Korea again as Prime Minister, and South Korea's Minister Park Min-Sik stating "I am sure you will win the election" in a vote of confidence.

The meeting concluded with the exchange of gifts, Prime Minister receiving a Korean scarf with the flags of the UN countries that provided support during the Korean War, including Luxembourg, and presenting Minister Park Min-Sik with a Péckvillchen (traditional ceramic bird whistle).

The final official engagement was at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, in Busan. Prime Minister Bettel was joined by the President of South Korea and laid a wreath during a 30-minute ceremony which also involved the Pledge of Allegiance. The cemetery had been given to the United Nations in 1955 and is the only such one in the world. Over fourteen hectares, a total of 2,300 soldiers from 21 UN countries (including Luxembourg) are buried, by country.

The UN Forces Participation Day and 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice Commemoration Ceremony were held throughout the week of 24 to 28 July 2023, with both official and unofficial parts of the programme. The 21 UN countries that fought alongside South Korean during the Korean War (1950-53) were all invited to participate, as were representatives of the UN.