South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to collaborate in ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and addressing the broader impacts of the Middle East conflict. They discussed deepening economic ties and enhancing security coordination to tackle uncertainties in global energy supply chains. President Lee highlighted the need to work together to alleviate the economic and energy crisis stemming from the war in the Middle East.
President Macron emphasized the importance of France and South Korea cooperating to deescalate conflicts in the Middle East and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz at the international level. The leaders aim to boost bilateral trade to $20 billion annually by 2030, building on last year’s $15 billion. Both countries signed agreements, including memorandums of understanding, to expand cooperation in advanced technologies, future industries, and critical mineral supply chains.
The two leaders pledged to enhance collaboration in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, and nuclear power. South Korea’s Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power signed agreements with French nuclear firms for joint projects, including an offshore wind power plant. President Lee expressed optimism that these agreements would ensure a stable supply of raw materials for South Korea’s nuclear plants and facilitate joint market entry.
President Lee also discussed plans for cooperation in space, defense, and cultural sectors, emphasizing efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. He highlighted the significance of peace in the region for global stability and expressed intentions to deepen coordination with France on the international stage. President Macron extended a formal invitation to President Lee for the Group of Seven summit in June in Evian, France, which Lee accepted, potentially marking his second consecutive attendance at the G7 summit.
