Home > National > Diplomacy

Lee will seek closer cooperation with France on AI, energy and space during Macron visit

Published: 02 Apr. 2026, 12:54

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a meeting with senior military commanders at the Ministry of National Defense's office in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on March 27. [YONHAP]

President Lee Jae Myung hopes Korea and France expand cooperation in AI, advanced technologies, nuclear energy and space, moving beyond a simple partnership to strategic coordination.

Lee made the remarks in a contribution to the French newspaper Le Figaro released Thursday, as French President Emmanuel Macron was set to make a state visit to Korea later in the day, with their summit talks scheduled on Friday.

Lee described the 140-year bilateral relationship as one built on shared values, strengthened through cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, saying bilateral relations should evolve beyond a simple partnership toward “deeper strategic coordination.”

“Cooperation in key areas, including artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, hydrogen technology and the space industry, is not only a driver of innovation but also a prerequisite for resilience,” he said.

“In an era marked by fragile supply chains and intensifying technological competition, such cooperation directly contributes to economic security and long-term stability,” he added.

Lee pointed to the partnership's geopolitical significance, noting that France's engagement in the Indo-Pacific and Korea's central role on the Korean Peninsula position the relationship as a key part of efforts to maintain balance in an increasingly competitive environment.

He also highlighted broad cultural exchanges in areas such as film, music, food and design, expressing hope to further deepen friendly ties between the two nations through people-to-people exchanges.

Macron's visit comes as Korea and France mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The two countries established formal ties in 1886, when the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation was signed between France and the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It will mark Macron's first visit to Korea since taking office in 2017.

Yonhap