Paris: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday engaged in discussions with Yael Braun-Pivet, speaker of the French National Assembly, with aspirations to usher in a renewed era of cooperation between South Korea and France over the next 140 years. This meeting coincides with the countries' efforts to enhance collaboration as they celebrate the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee's visit to Paris is part of a broader state visit to France, which began in Nice. During his meeting with Braun-Pivet, Lee emphasized the critical role of both the French Parliament and the South Korean government in fostering stronger bilateral relations and advancing democratic principles. Lee highlighted the substantial potential for collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and advanced technology.

Braun-Pivet acknowledged the importance of the South Korean President's focus on the role of the French National Assembly, as noted by South Korean presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. In addition to his meeting with Braun-Pivet, President Lee met with Mathias Cormann, the secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Lee identified economic polarization as a key factor in escalating conflicts globally and advocated for equitable distribution of growth benefits and opportunities.

Cormann expressed the OECD's commitment to maintaining open markets and rules-based trade systems, showing optimism for future cooperation with South Korea on these fronts.