South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in summit talks to enhance collaboration in advanced technologies, energy, and global issues. Macron’s visit to South Korea, his first since assuming office in 2017, included discussions on upgrading their partnership to a global strategic level. The aim is to strengthen strategic communication with France, a UN Security Council member and a key EU nation, fostering a forward-looking alliance.
Lee expressed intentions to broaden cooperation with France in artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and space exploration, aiming for more profound strategic alignment beyond a basic partnership. Following the summit, the leaders are scheduled to sign memorandums of understanding, deliver joint press statements, and participate in a state luncheon. Concurrently, their spouses will partake in a cultural exchange program at the National Museum of Korea in Seoul.
Macron’s two-day state visit coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France. During the visit, Lee hosted a dinner for Macron, symbolically reinforcing bilateral ties and underscoring the significance of the diplomatic engagement.
