The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine War were among the global security issues discussed at the summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The two leaders expressed a shared view that freedom of navigation should be protected under peaceful conditions.
Macron said they would continue developing proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The French president said work would also continue on the possibility of a fully peaceful multinational mission if an agreement were reached.
Following the summit, the two countries signed several agreements expanding bilateral cooperation in defense, the defense industry, the protection of military information and other areas. Lee announced at a joint news conference that they had agreed to make concrete progress in defense and security in order to respond together to the uncertainties facing the international order.
Military information and logistical support
South Korea and France reached a new understanding updating the agreement on protecting military classified information that the leaders had adopted at their summit in Seoul in April. The new arrangement is expected to improve information sharing between the two countries.
Lee said they would work to sign an agreement on mutual military logistical support at an early date in order to advance the defense partnership. The two countries also plan to develop joint projects combining France's technological expertise with South Korea's manufacturing capacity.
$20 billion trade target by 2030
South Korea and France, which decided to expand economic and industrial cooperation, aim to increase annual bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030. Lee said he would remain in close communication with Macron so that companies from both countries could gain greater access to opportunities in each other's markets and operate under more predictable conditions.
The two countries agreed to conduct joint research and development projects in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technologies. In addition to these areas, they will also cooperate on next-generation nuclear reactors, diversifying supply chains and civilian nuclear energy.
Samsung Electronics had previously announced that it had partnered with French startup Mistral AI to develop its semiconductor operations.
Macron pledges support for the Korean Peninsula
Macron said he was pleased with the agreements signed. He said 2026 would be an important period for bilateral relations because it would mark the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea.
The French president said the partnership between the two countries was based on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, respect for international law, and free and fair trade. Macron noted that the partnership was built on shared values and interests.
Macron said sovereignty and strategic autonomy should be protected as global balances were reshaped, adding that joint work in defense, security, technology and energy would prevent the two countries from coming under the influence of any major power. He emphasized that South Korea could count on France's continued support for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
