French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux gives a speech accompanied by French Saint-Cyr Coetquidan Military Academy cadets during the Bastille Day celebration event at Some Sevit, a floating cultural space in Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

On the scenic Some Sevit in the heart of Seoul, the French community in South Korea gathered to celebrate Bastille Day, the French National Day, with a reception hosted by French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux, Friday.

The event, attended by dignitaries, diplomats and friends of France, was marked by a speech that highlighted the enduring bonds between the two nations and the shared challenges they face.

Bastille Day, known in France as La Fete Nationale or Le Quatorze Juillet, is the French National Day celebrated on July 14 each year. It commemorates the Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, a turning point in the French Revolution.

Bertoux reflected on the significance of 2024 as an election year for many nations, including South Korea, the Member States of the European Union and France.

"Beyond the results of these elections, one thing remains constant: our destinies are linked. Our relations are strong, and we must build on this momentum to meet the many challenges facing our democracies and the defense of human rights," he said.

The ambassador condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, calling it "a painful strategic wake-up call for all Europeans." He emphasized the global implications of the conflict, stating, "It is a matter for all those who are attached to an international order based on rules, law and democratic values. So we must all redouble our efforts to support our Ukrainian brothers and sisters."

He also highlighted the interconnection between global security interests, particularly noting the collaboration between North Korea and Russia.

"No one can deny that the security interests of South Korea, Ukraine, France and other European countries are all interdependent," he said.

The visit of the "Capitaine Goupil" class from the Saint-Cyr Coetquidan Military Academy was another focal point of the evening.

"In addition to its important memorial value, this visit by nearly 200 officer cadets is an opportunity for the future leaders of the French Army to enrich and broaden the scope of their strategic thinking," Bertoux said.

Economic cooperation between South Korea and France was celebrated, with bilateral trade reaching a record 16 billion euros ($17.44 billion) in 2023.

"We intend to build on this momentum with Team France Korea, which was set up last December," Bertoux said.

The ambassador also spoke on the potential for further collaboration in innovative technologies such as hydrogen, nuclear power, quantum computing, biotech and artificial intelligence. He shared that France would be hosting the next AI Summit in February 2025, following South Korea's hosting this year.

Cultural exchanges were another highlight, with projects like the Franco-Korean Film Academy and the upcoming Centre Pompidou Hanwha in Seoul.

"Never before has the French community in our consular district been so large or so young, with an average age of 29," Bertoux said.

In closing, the ambassador expressed anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"I look forward to 26 July with the opening ceremony of the Paris Games, which promises to be spectacular, festive and popular. I hope that both France and Korea will win a record number of medals!" he said.

"Long live Korea! Long live Franco-Korean friendship! Long live the Republic! Long live France!" the ambassador said, ending his speech to enthusiastic applause.