South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Concludes France Visit

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung headed home on Thursday after wrapping up a four-day visit to France focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in advanced industries, defence, nuclear energy and culture. Lee is scheduled to arrive in South Korea later on Thursday following the state visit.

Lee co-chaired a summit event on the future of the cinema industry with French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, where the two sides announced a joint investment initiative to support the sector. The engagement formed part of efforts to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas and deepen cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

From Tuesday to Wednesday, Lee paid a state visit to Paris and held talks with Macron on expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, defence and nuclear energy. He also attended a state dinner hosted by Macron and his wife. The visit reciprocated Macron’s trip to Seoul in April, as South Korea and France mark the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

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During the visit, South Korea and France also signed an initial memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technologies. According to South Korea’s science ministry, the agreement provides for regular meetings on AI and quantum technologies, joint research and cooperation to encourage investment and facilitate entry into each other’s markets.

Lee also met French National Assembly Speaker Yael Braun-Pivet and expressed hope that the two countries would open a new chapter of cooperation for the next 140 years. During the meeting, he called for a stronger role for the French parliament in advancing bilateral relations and cooperation on democratic development, according to South Korean presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.

Lee also noted the potential for expanded cooperation in areas including trade, investment, advanced technology and social policy, while stressing the importance of closer engagement between the two countries’ legislatures. Braun-Pivet described Lee’s focus on the role of the French National Assembly as meaningful, according to Kang. The visit underscored efforts by Seoul and Paris to broaden their partnership across strategic, technological and cultural sectors.

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