President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with French President Emmanuel Macron at Cheong Wa Dae (CWD) on April 3, marking the 140th anniversary of Korea-France diplomatic relations and the elevation of bilateral ties to the level of "Global Strategic Partnership." The meeting was Macron's first visit to Korea since taking office, and the first state visit by a European leader since Korea's new government was inaugurated.
The two leaders discussed the ongoing Middle East conflict and its global economic repercussions, agreeing that regional stability must be restored as quickly as possible. They exchanged macroeconomic policy strategies to cushion the impact on their respective economies, and confirmed their commitment to strengthening energy security — including expanded cooperation in nuclear power and offshore wind — as well as ensuring safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The leaders noted that bilateral trade reached a record high of $15 billion last year, while acknowledging significant room for further growth given the scale of both economies. They agreed to work jointly toward an annual trade target of $20 billion by 2030, and to strengthen business-to-business communication and mutual investment.
On advanced industries, the two sides will deepen collaboration in AI, semiconductors, quantum technology, space, and nuclear energy. A key outcome was an MOU between Korea's KHNP and French nuclear firm Orano covering full-cycle nuclear fuel cooperation — a foundation, both leaders agreed, for joint entry into global nuclear markets. An offshore wind energy MOU was also signed, along with agreements covering space, satellite, and defense industries.
In the cultural sphere, both presidents expressed commitment to expanding the presence of each country in the other — aiming to open an era of one million annual people-to-people exchanges. Highlights include the opening of "Pompidou Hanwha Seoul," the Centre Pompidou's fifth overseas branch and only its second in Asia; a Cultural Heritage Cooperation MOU covering sites, including Korea's Jongmyo Shrine and France's Basilica of Saint-Denis; and revisions to the Working Holiday Agreement to facilitate freer exchange between citizens of both nations.
President Macron formally invited President Lee to the G7 Summit in Évian, France, from June 15–17. President Lee accepted, pledging Korea's substantive contribution to the agenda on global macroeconomic imbalances and reform of global partnerships. Macron also invited Korea to co-chair the International Moving Image Summit in September and proposed a state visit to France on that occasion, which President Lee accepted.
On the Korean Peninsula, President Lee outlined the government's efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and expressed appreciation for France's consistent support for Korean Peninsula policy. Both leaders affirmed that peace on the Peninsula contributes to stability and prosperity beyond the region.
A total of three agreements were revised and eleven MOUs and letters of intent were signed, providing an institutional framework for the partnership going forward. A joint statement was also adopted.
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(Press Release translated by AI, edited by David Kendall)
