Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron engaged in summit talks on Friday, focusing on expanding cooperation to alleviate the economic impacts of the ongoing war in the Middle East and to enhance strategic coordination on international matters. The leaders addressed concerns about disruptions in global energy supply chains caused by the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route, which has been affected by the United States' military actions in Iran, leading to increased global oil prices.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee expressed the urgent need for international collaboration to address the crisis's repercussions on the global economy and energy sectors. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts to restore peace in the Middle East and stabilize global energy supplies. Lee highlighted the growing cooperation between South Korea and France in strategic industries, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy, and defense, and expressed hope for enhanced coordination on the global stage.
During the talks, President Lee also discussed the importance of maintaining close collaboration with France, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. He announced that President Macron extended an invitation to the upcoming Group of Seven summit in Evian, France, which Lee accepted. This would be his second consecutive appearance at the G7 summit, following his attendance in Canada last year.
The two leaders celebrated the decision to elevate bilateral relations from a "comprehensive partnership for the 21st century" to a "global strategic partnership," marking a significant milestone in their 140-year history of diplomatic ties. Macron expressed similar sentiments, highlighting the potential for expanded cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, culture, and ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz. This visit marks Macron's first trip to South Korea since 2017 and the first by a French president in 11 years, coinciding with the anniversary of the diplomatic relationship established by the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation.