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duction of naval vessels, is a practical extension of this shared commitment to peace through principled diplomacy and the upholding of international norms.The profound contribution of Greek soldiers during the Korean War remains the bedrock of our friendship. How is this historical legacy reflected in modern diplomatic and people-to-people relations today?As previously stated, our bilateral relationship is rooted in a %u201cfriendship written in blood%u201d. The participation of the 10,000 Greek heroes during the Korean War constitutes the moral anchor of my mission. South Koreans have never forgotten the courage shown on battlefields like Hill 381, in which the Greek forces were revered and earned the nickname of %u201cSpartans of the East%u201d.This legacy is preserved through active, daily remembrance. The monuments in Yeoju, South Korea and in Papagos, Greece, stand as twin symbols of this enduring bond. Every year on 25 June, we hold a solemn commemorative ceremony in Papagos to honour this shared history. In 2025, this relationship reached a significant milestone with the formal sister-city agreement between Papagos and Yeoju, institutionalising our connection at the local government level.Today, this friendship is also being carried forward through a vibrant educational exchange for the next generation. Schools in South Korea and Greece often organise video conferences where students engage in profound comparative case studies of the Korean War and the Greek Civil War. By fostering these intellectual ties among our youth, we ensure that the %u201cfriendship written in blood%u201d is renewed and transformed into a partnership among our future leaders, based on shared prosperity and mutual understanding.On a personal note, what is the legacy you wish to leave behind regarding Greco-Korean relations by the conclusion of your mission in Greece?I want to see the %u201cgolden triangle%u201d become a living reality. My goal is to move beyond selling ships to co-producing them. By the end of my tenure, I hope to see the Greek shipyards thriving with South Korean technology and Greek craftsmanship, supported by strategic US backing. Overall, I want to leave behind a legacy of institutional trust, where our maritime and defence pillars operate as a single engine for growth.Lastly, as the global shipping elite gathers in Athens for Posidonia, what message would you like to convey regarding South Korea%u2019s long-term commitment to remaining the most reliable and innovative partner for Greek shipowners?My message is: South Korea is doubling down on our partnership. We are integrating our national maritime capital, Busan, with the global shipping market. Busan is now home to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and is pioneering the Northern Sea Route (Arctic) pilot programme starting in 2026. At Posidonia, our 5th Korean-Hellenic Maritime Cooperation Forum will invite Greek shipowners to be part of this new era. In a volatile world, South Korea offers the stability of 50 years of friendship and the cutting edge of a global maritime city.DiplomacyA general view during the christening ceremony of the cruise ferry \Miracle\Engineering Co. shipyard in Busan,South Korea, 09 April 2025. Credit: EPA/YONHAP SOUTH KOREA OUT78 NX