President Lee: "Korea–France ties must move beyond partnership to strategic coordination" as Macron visits Seoul

According to Financial News, President Lee Jae Myung stated on the 2nd, "Cooperation between Korea and France must move beyond a simple partnership toward deeper strategic coordination." He placed particular emphasis on collaboration in core sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), nuclear power, hydrogen technologies and the space industry.
Lee Jae Myung made these remarks in an op-ed titled "Sharing Values and Culture: 140 Years of Korea–France Friendship," published on the 2nd in the French daily Le Figaro, one day before his summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. "Cooperation in key areas such as artificial intelligence, nuclear power, hydrogen technologies and the space industry is not only a driving force for innovation but also a condition for resilience," he wrote.
The president noted, "In an era of fragile supply chains and fierce technological competition, cooperation directly contributes to economic security and long-term stability." He stressed that "cooperation between our two countries also carries geopolitical significance."
In particular, he explained, "France’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and Korea’s central role on the Korean Peninsula place our bilateral relationship at the heart of broader efforts to maintain balance in an increasingly competitive arena." He added, "As democracies facing common challenges, cooperation between our two countries is becoming not just complementary but increasingly essential."
Lee Jae Myung continued, "The true strength that deepens friendship and trust between our two nations can be found in the connections between our peoples. Cultural exchanges still give our relationship depth and vitality." He went on, "These exchanges are visible in everyday life. In Seoul, Seorae Village and the French School of Seoul embody a living intercultural dialogue, while in Paris, a growing Korean community is introducing Korean cuisine such as bulgogi and bibimbap, and Maison de la Corée at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris welcomes students from all over the world."
He added, "Because we share a friendship as solid as 140 years of history, cooperation between France and Korea today is stronger than ever." He wrote, "The trust between our two countries is built on shared values, has been reinforced through strategic cooperation, and is becoming even richer through everyday exchanges between our peoples."
In this context, he cited examples such as the history of intellectual and religious exchange preserved at Myeongdong Cathedral, the activities of Korean independence activists in Paris, the participation of the French Army in the Korean War, Korea’s Korea Train eXpress (KTX) high-speed rail network based on Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) technology, and cooperation in nuclear energy.
Lee Jae Myung also referred to the French Revolution, arguing that above all, the bond linking the two societies is rooted in the values of democracy.
He assessed, "The ideal of popular sovereignty born of the French Revolution has powerfully resonated throughout Korea’s democratic development, and the people’s sovereignty was reaffirmed in the recent peaceful 'revolution of light'." He added, "Korea’s intellectual and political traditions have long been influenced by thinkers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Montesquieu, whose reflections on freedom and the separation of powers contributed to the formation of modern democratic institutions."
He went on, "This year, France assumes the presidency of the Group of Seven (G7). I hope that, through the G7, the Korean public will come to recognize even more clearly that France, as a cultural powerhouse, plays a crucial role in the international order." He concluded, "The friendship between France and Korea is not merely a legacy to be commemorated, but a partnership that must be consciously deepened."
French President Emmanuel Macron begins a two-day state visit to Korea today. This is his first visit to Korea since taking office in 2017, and the first state visit by a French president in 11 years. Notably, Macron is also the first European leader to visit Korea since the launch of the new administration. Lee Jae Myung will hold a summit with Macron on the 3rd.
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter