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(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Ji Seo Jeong – President Lee Jae-myung met with French President Emmanuel Macron on the 22nd (local time), proposing that South Korea and France elevate their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and strengthen cooperation.
While President Lee and President Macron previously met briefly during an expanded session at the G7 Summit in Canada last June, this marks their first official summit between the two leaders.
Recalling their earlier encounter, President Lee said, “At that time, President Macron was seated next to me, and the footage of that moment became very popular in South Korea,” greeting Macron warmly.
He continued, “France and South Korea share a special relationship, and I hope today’s summit will serve as an opportunity to further deepen our ties. I would like to see our bilateral relationship elevated to a ‘strategic partnership.’”
President Lee also expressed gratitude for France’s support during the Korean War, stating, “When South Korea faced crisis due to North Korea’s invasion, France provided support by dispatching troops. I would also like to note that while the French Revolution is globally renowned, it has also had a significant impact on the development of democracy in South Korea.”
He emphasized the need to further solidify cooperation across various sectors, including culture, economy, security, and advanced technology.
In response, President Macron said, “As you mentioned, we had a brief encounter at the G7, and I am pleased to have this summit today. I believe our two countries can cooperate in a wide range of fields, including security, AI, space, nuclear power, renewable energy, and quantum technology.”
Macron also expressed appreciation for South Korea’s “clear and consistent stance on key issues such as the Ukraine crisis.”
He added, “As France assumes the G7 presidency next year, I hope that France and South Korea, which is making various contributions on global issues, will continue to work closely together on international matters.”
President Lee then extended an invitation to President Macron, saying, “You were unable to visit South Korea this September, but next year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. I sincerely hope you will visit, and we will be honored to welcome you as a state guest.”
President Macron replied, “I will prepare to visit South Korea next year to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties,” to which President Lee responded, “We look forward to your visit.”
Meanwhile, the presidential office highlighted that France, South Korea’s third-largest trading partner within the European Union (EU), has seen active mutual investment in advanced industries and renewable energy sectors. Both sides agreed to actively encourage exchanges among business leaders from both countries.
In particular, President Macron expressed hope that high-level exchanges would help realize the full potential for bilateral cooperation, specifically mentioning defense, space, nuclear power, critical minerals, AI, and quantum technology as areas for enhanced collaboration.
jsjeong@yna.co.kr
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