President Lee Jae Myung’s trip to France brought fresh momentum to South Korea-France ties, with Seoul officials saying the two sides signed 16 agreements and expanded cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, AI and culture. Lee met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris after co-chairing the first joint meeting on film industry development in Nice. Seoul officials said the visits strengthened trust between the leaders and could open a new phase in the 140-year relationship.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomes South Korean President Lee Jae Myung ahead of a state dinner at the Elysee Palace during a state visit to France, in Paris, France, Tuesday. Reuters-Yonhap
PARIS — The South Korean and French leaders may have created a rare opportunity for their countries' bilateral relations, 140 years after they were first forged, Seoul officials said Wednesday, pointing to a series of agreements signed this week that will likely strengthen their partnerships in a wide range of areas, including nuclear power plants and artificial intelligence (AI).
President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up his four-day trip to France earlier in the day, heading home with a handful of agreements that include those calling for enhanced cooperation in areas such as defense manufacturing, nuclear energy and other advanced industries.
