Greek Ambassador to Korea Ekaterini Loupas, right, poses with National Assembly Secretary General Lee Kwang-jae, second from right, along with Greek artists at the Sarangjae hanok at the National Assembly in Seoul, Monday. From left are Greece-Korea Friendship Committee President Georgios Anastasiou Stamatis, Greek Painter Angeliki Angelidi, Greek pianist Theodore Tzovanakis, Lee and Loupas. Courtesy of Embassy of Greece in Seoul
Korea and Greece, both on 38th parallel, face similar challenges
By Kim Hyun-bin
Greek Ambassador to Korea Ekaterini Loupas paid tribute to the historic ties between Korea and Greece, marking the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War.
Reflecting on the profound history that connected Korea and Greece for more than 70 years, Loupas highlighted, Monday, the decision of the Greek government to participate in the war. Despite the aftermath of World War II and the Greek Civil War, Greece dispatched nine airplanes and 10,824 soldiers and officers, becoming the fifth-largest contributor of troops.
“This alliance, forged by the sacrifice of so many heroes, is the cornerstone of our bilateral relations,” Loupas said.
Acknowledging the sacrifices made during the three-year conflict, Loupas spoke of the renewal of the relationship today through strengthened political, economic, cultural, and environmental cooperation.
“Both countries, located on the 38th parallel, but in quite different neighborhoods, face similar international challenges. As we are committed to universal values, such as the rule of law, human rights, and freedom of speech, we are working together in all the international fora for global peace and prosperity,” she said.
“Nowadays, Korea’s name is synonymous with the hard work, the commitment, the loyalty, and respect that have made this country thrive today,” Loupas added.
The ambassador also highlighted the cultural dimension of the evening, introducing Greek artists Angeliki Angelidis and Theodore Tzovanakis.
“Tonight’s event aims to foster our cultural connections and strengthen our mutual understanding and appreciation of our heritage,” she said.
The celebration featured a performance by Tzovanakis and an art exhibition by Angelidis, drawing inspiration from Korean history and philosophy.
