Seoul, April 4: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced on Friday that he and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to work together to ensure safe passage through the Hormuz Strait and mitigate the broader impacts of conflict in the Middle East.
During a summit, Lee shared concerns about uncertainties in global energy supply chains. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen economic ties and enhance coordination on security matters.
In a joint press statement, Lee stated, “President Macron and I have agreed to share policy experiences and strategies to jointly address the economic and energy crises arising from conflicts in the Middle East. We also agreed to collaborate to reduce uncertainties in the global economy.”
He added, “We confirmed our commitment to strengthen energy security by increasing cooperation in nuclear and offshore wind energy sectors and ensuring safe maritime transport routes through the Hormuz Strait.”
According to the Yonhap News Agency, Macron emphasized that France and South Korea should collaborate internationally to reopen the Hormuz Strait and reduce conflicts in the Middle East.
Lee mentioned that both leaders also agreed to boost trade and investment, setting a target to increase annual bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030, up from $15 billion last year.
To enhance cooperation in various sectors, both parties signed several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and other documents. They committed to increasing collaboration in advanced technologies and future industries, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technology, and established a ministerial joint committee on science and technology.
The two nations also signed a letter on cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, aiming to link South Korea’s manufacturing capabilities with France’s processing technology and infrastructure.
State-owned Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power signed MOUs with French nuclear companies Orano and Framatome. Additionally, a separate MOU was signed with France’s EDF to jointly develop an offshore wind energy plant in the southwestern city of Yeonggwang.
Lee expressed hope that these agreements would ensure a stable supply of raw materials for South Korea’s nuclear power plants and lay the groundwork for joint entry into global markets.
He also mentioned plans for collaboration in the space and defense sectors and promised efforts to strengthen cooperation in the cultural sector, following an MOU signed between the cultural heritage agencies of both countries.
During the talks, Lee highlighted Seoul’s efforts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula, while Macron reaffirmed Paris’s support for peace and stability in the region.
Lee stated, “Both leaders shared a deep understanding that peace on the Korean Peninsula impacts not only Northeast Asia and Europe but also other parts of the world.”
He noted that Seoul and Paris have enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including future strategic industries such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy, and defense, expressing hope for deeper coordination on the international stage.
Lee mentioned that Macron formally invited him to the G7 summit in Evian, France, in June, which he accepted. If he attends, it will mark his second consecutive G7 summit following last year’s event in Canada.
–
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment