By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux and Seodaemun-gu Mayor Lee Sung-heon recently held a working-level meeting between the French Embassy in Korea and the Seodaemun-gu Office at the office's conference room to discuss ways to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two organizations.

Ambassador Bertoux said, "Expanding relations through cooperation with local governments is the key to diplomacy." "I consider strengthening exchanges with Seodaemun-gu to be the first step in bilateral diplomacy between Korea and France," he said.

"We are very proud to have the French Embassy in Seodaemun-gu, which is the work of Mr. Kim Joong-up and has great significance in the history of architecture," said Mayor Lee Sung-heon, thanking Ambassador Bertoux for his visit to the ward for exchange and cooperation.

In response to Seodaemun-gu's request to allow the public to visit the embassy during the one-course tour of the 'Seodaemun Historical and Cultural Interpretation Program,' Ambassador Bertoux said, "We will work with Seodaemun-gu to find an appropriate way to open it to the public."

In response to the French side's request for security and safety around the embassy, Lee said, "We will do our best to work with various relevant organizations," adding, "We would like to find a way to make the area around the embassy a tourist attraction through festivals and markets while maintaining strict security."

The two organizations plan to continue their cooperation in areas such as hosting various events, including a French street music festival, developing community outreach programs, and improving road and transportation facilities to enhance the safety of embassy visitors and tourists along Chungjeongno.