On Friday, April 3, Cheong Wa Dae (CWD) resleased the following statement on French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife's ongoing state visit to Korea as they continue their second day of scheduled activities, which began this morning with an official welcome ceremony.

On the occasion of this visit, Korea and France will upgrade their relationship from the "Comprehensive Partnership for the 21st Century" established in 2004 to a "Global Strategic Partnership" — an elevation that comes 22 years later. Through this upgrade, President Lee plans to strengthen strategic communication with France, a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key EU member state, and to build a future-oriented partnership in pursuit of major national policy goals.

Key national policy goals:

• Achieving diplomatic standing among G7+ nations;
• Becoming one of the top three AI powers and top four global venture nations;
• Strengthening trade, investment, and economic security;
• Building a strong maritime nation;
• Expanding the global reach of K-Culture.)

This is President Macron's first visit to Korea since taking office. As this year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, an especially grand official welcome ceremony has been prepared. Upon entering Cheong Wa Dae, the motorcade will be escorted by a traditional honor guard and military band totaling approximately 70 personnel, with some 280 members of the tri-service honor guard and others standing in formation. A children's welcome party of 30, including seven French children, will also greet President Macron and his wife.

While Presidents Lee and Macron hold their summit, the two First Ladies will spend time at the National Museum of Korea for a fellowship program introducing Korean culture and the cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Approximately 140 guests from various walks of life in both countries will attend the luncheon following the summit. Adding a special touch to the occasion will be Felix of K-pop group Stray Kids — honorary ambassador for the 140th anniversary of Korea–France diplomatic relations and a symbol of cultural exchange between the two nations — along with actress Jeon Ji-hyun.

In consideration of President and Mrs. Macron's known preference for enjoying the local cuisine of countries they visit, the state luncheon menu has been composed entirely of authentic Korean food: The tricolor appetizer — milssam, Jeju tiger prawn mussam, and East Sea scallop ssam with truffle — represent the liberté, égalité, and fraternité of the French national flag as well as Korea's distinctive ssam culinary culture. The grilled Jeju byeongeo butterfish, made with premium deokja byeongeo, is served with a kumquat doenjang sauce accompanied by hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, manila clams, and sancho pepper — a dish conceived as a sincere gesture of the highest hospitality.

Four beverages will be served with the luncheon, including two varieties of traditional Korean liquor — among them the toast wine Omi Rosé "Yeon" — as well as a red wine.

Following the state luncheon, President and Mrs. Macron are scheduled to travel to Yonsei University for a lecture and meeting with students. The visit will then conclude with the "Korea–France Business Future Dialogue," attended by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, the opening ceremony of "Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul," and a dinner with figures from the cultural world, before the couple departs tonight through Seoul Airport, bringing their one-night, two-day visit to a close.