▲ President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron hold talks on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Nov. 22, 2025. (Yonhap)

Lee-France

Lee voices hope for closer cooperation with France on AI, energy, space

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has said South Korea and France need to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, nuclear energy and space, moving beyond a simple partnership to strategic coordination.

Lee made the remarks in a contribution to the French newspaper Le Figaro released Thursday, as French President Emmanuel Macron was set to make a state visit to South Korea later in the day, with their summit talks scheduled on Friday.

Lee described the 140-year bilateral relationship as one built on shared values, strengthened through cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, saying bilateral relations should evolve beyond a simple partnership toward "deeper strategic coordination."

"Cooperation in key areas, including artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, hydrogen technology and the space industry, is not only a driver of innovation but also a prerequisite for resilience," he said.

"In an era marked by fragile supply chains and intensifying technological competition, such cooperation directly contributes to economic security and long-term stability," he added.

Lee pointed to the geopolitical significance of the partnership, noting that France's engagement in the Indo-Pacific and South Korea's central role on the Korean Peninsula position the relationship as a key part of efforts to maintain balance in an increasingly competitive environment.

He also highlighted broad cultural exchanges in areas such as film, music, food and design, expressing hope to further deepen friendly ties between the two nations through people-to-people exchanges.

Macron's visit comes as South Korea and France mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The two countries established formal ties in 1886, when the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed between France and the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It will mark Macron's first visit to South Korea since taking office in 2017.

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