Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron convened for summit talks on Friday, centering on the enhancement of cooperation in advanced technologies, energy, and international issues. Macron's visit marks his inaugural state visit to South Korea since assuming office in 2017, beginning with an official welcoming ceremony at Cheong Wa Dae.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the summit aims to elevate the existing "comprehensive partnership for the 21st century" established in 2004 between the two nations to a "global strategic partnership." Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung highlighted in a written briefing that this upgrade seeks to augment "strategic communication" with France, a vital member of the U.N. Security Council and a significant European Union nation, fostering a "future-oriented partnership."

In an article for the French newspaper Le Figaro, President Lee expressed aspirations to expand cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and the space sector. The goal is to move beyond a basic partnership to achieve more strategic coordination between the two countries.

Following the summit discussions, Lee and Macron are scheduled to participate in a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding. This will be succeeded by joint press announcements and a state luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae. Meanwhile, the spouses of Lee and Macron are slated to engage in a cultural exchange program with a visit to the National Museum of Korea in central Seoul, as informed by the spokesperson.