Johannesburg: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed his hope to elevate the bilateral relationship with France to a "strategic partnership" and deepen cooperation in culture, security, technologies, and other fields, during a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron in South Africa on Saturday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, their meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg followed their encounter during the Group of Seven summit in Canada in June, as the two nations prepare to celebrate the 140th anniversary next year of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.

President Lee stated his aspiration to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership and strengthen cooperation across various areas, including culture, the economy, security, and cutting-edge technologies. He expressed gratitude for France's deployment of troops during the Korean War and acknowledged the French Revolution's impact on South Korea's democratic development. President Macron reciprocated by expressing France's hope to expand cooperation in security and emerging technologies, such as quantum, artificial intelligence (AI), space, and nuclear and renewable energy.

Macron also thanked South Korea for its clear commitment to issues related to Ukraine and other matters important to France. President Lee emphasized South Korea's desire for mutually complementary cooperation in the defense industry and expanded collaboration in AI, the space industry, and culture, as stated by the presidential office.

Additionally, the leaders discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula and regional issues, with President Lee extending an invitation to President Macron to visit South Korea next year to mark the 140th anniversary of their bilateral relationship. Macron expressed excitement about the opportunity to visit Korea, considering it a great opportunity to prepare for the visit.