French Ambassador Celebrates 2024 Achievements and Notre-Dame Reopening
French Ambassador Philippe Bertoux honored the achievements of 2024 during a celebration in Seoul, focusing on the impact of the Paris Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral. He praised the global reach of the Games, acknowledged the success of the South Korean teams, and emphasized the importance of cultural and economic ties between France and South Korea.
On December 9, the French Ambassador to South Korea, Philippe Bertoux, hosted an event at his residence in Seoul to celebrate the significant achievements of 2024, centering around the extraordinary Paris Summer Olympics and Paralympics. During the gathering, Ambassador Bertoux extolled the Games for their ability to unite people through the universal language of sports, recounting memorable moments and emphasizing the revolutionary nature of the Paris Games, which he described as the most successful ever held. He highlighted impressive global engagement statistics, including an astounding 5 billion viewers and active social media participation totaling 16.7 billion across various platforms.
Ambassador Bertoux particularly lauded the athletes, extending congratulations to the South Korean Olympic and Paralympic teams for their commendable performances and contributions to the country’s pride. He also acknowledged the increasing influence of esports, exemplified by the participation of the Team Vitality League of Legends team, commending their collaborative training experience in Korea.
In his address, Bertoux celebrated the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral on December 7, a momentous occasion following its restoration after a devastating fire in 2019. He expressed admiration for the craftsmen who dedicated their efforts to restore this iconic symbol in under five years, integrating this event into the broader “Make it Iconic” campaign, designed to promote France as a beacon of creativity and resilience.
Furthermore, Ambassador Bertoux provided insights into France’s economic stability, noting a growth rate of 13 percent over the past year, firmly positioning the nation as an attractive destination for global investment, including from Korean enterprises. He highlighted France’s strategic advantages, such as its nearly decarbonized energy sources and a pool of world-class scientists, which enhance its investment appeal.
Concluding the event, Bertoux reflected on the strengthening relations between Korea and France, noting the growing number of Korean tourists visiting France and expressing optimism for increased cultural exchanges and sustainable tourism initiatives. He also anticipated the upcoming celebration of the 140th anniversary of Korea-France friendship in 2026, underscoring the importance of fostering bilateral ties.
The French Ambassador’s celebration encapsulated key milestones in both sports and cultural heritage, specifically focusing on the transformative impact of the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. This event is seen as a pivotal moment for France, as it not only showcases the nation’s athletic prowess but also its cultural landmarks, such as Notre-Dame Cathedral. The reopening of Notre-Dame has garnered international attention, symbolizing resilience and restoration following tragedy. Moreover, the ambassador’s remarks reflect a broader strategy to strengthen ties with South Korea, an important partner in cultural, economic, and tourism sectors.
In conclusion, Ambassador Philippe Bertoux’s address highlighted the monumental successes of 2024, particularly through the lens of the Paris Summer Olympics and the emotional significance of the Notre-Dame Cathedral’s reopening. His remarks underscored not only the celebration of sports and culture but also the resilience of the French economy and the strengthening ties with South Korea. As Korea and France look towards future collaborations, the ambassador’s reflections portend a promising partnership founded on shared values and mutual appreciation.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
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