French ambassador calls 2026 landmark year as Korea and France celebrate 140 years of ties
At the French Embassy’s largest Bastille Day reception in Seoul, Ambassador Philippe Bertoux highlighted three 2026 summits and a new global strategic partnership with Korea.
French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux delivers remarks during the French Embassy's National Day reception at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in central Seoul on July 14, marking Bastille Day and the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations.FRENCH EMBASSY IN KOREA
French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux hailed 2026 as a "landmark year" for bilateral ties, citing an unprecedented run of three summits within the year, at the embassy's largest-ever National Day reception Tuesday marking the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
"There are some years that count double, or even triple. This is clearly the case for 2026," Bertoux said in his address at the Grand Hyatt Seoul.
He noted President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to Korea in April successfully elevated the bilateral relationship to a "global strategic partnership," one of three summits this year that also include the Group of 7 in June — where President Lee Jae Myung met Macron — and this fall's "Sommet Lumière" and Lee's return state visit to Paris.
Singer Stella Jang performs during the French Embassy's National Day reception at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on July 14.SEO JI-EUN
Guests attend the French Embassy's National Day reception at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on July 14, marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations.FRENCH EMBASSY IN KOREA
Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-a delivered a congratulatory address, and the reception featured a performance by singer Stella Jang along with French cuisine and wine.
Fireworks light up the sky over Sebitseom Floating Island on the Han River during the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Bastille Day celebration on July 14 despite heavy rain.FKCCI
Separately that evening, the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry held its own Bastille Day celebration at Sebitseom Floating Island on the Han River. The gathering, which drew more than 700 guests, doubled as a celebration of the chamber's 40th anniversary alongside the diplomatic milestone.
Chamber Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon announced that the chamber, together with the French Senate and KEY — a Korea-Europe business platform — will hold a new Korea-France forum in Paris on Sept. 8 to coincide with Lee's state visit, a more "societal" follow-up to the economic forum held during Macron's April visit.
The evening's program, hosted by television personality Ida Daussy, combined French cuisine, entertainment and a fireworks display over the river.
French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon delivers remarks during the chamber's Bastille Day celebration at Sebitseom Floating Island, marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations and the chamber's 40th anniversary on July 14.FKCCI
UPDATE, July 15:This article has been updated with details of the French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Bastille Day celebration at Sebitseom Floating Island on the evening of July 14.
