Updated : 2026-04-03 21:09:50 KST
President Lee Jae Myung today hosted his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron. The leaders agreed to take the two countries' partnership to a higher level and discussed the situation with the Strait of Hormuz. Our Blue House correspondent Yoon Jung-min leads our coverage tonight. The French first couple was given a red carpet welcome by their South Korean counterparts at the Blue House. President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday agreed to upgrade the two countries' ties to a Global Strategic Partnership.
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"In that the relationship between the two countries has been upgraded to a Global Strategic Partnership, your visit to Korea will remain a milestone that is more meaningful." "On the occasion of celebrating 140 years of our diplomatic ties, I believe it's a good chance to elevate the partnership between South Korea and France." South Korea and France plan to strengthen their partnership in trade and investment as well as critical minerals, AI, semiconductors and nuclear energy.
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"The MOUs being signed today between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the French companies Orano and Framatome will not only ensure a stable supply of nuclear fuel but also lay the foundation for our joint entry into the global nuclear energy market." "As for bilateral trade volume in 2025, it's been doubled compared to a decade ago. It's been stimulated by the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Korea. I also plan to meet Korean businesses and discuss their investment plans in France."
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The conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global energy and economies were high on the agenda. "We confirmed our commitment to bolstering energy security by expanding our cooperation in the nuclear and offshore wind power sectors, while collaborating to secure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz." "As for the Middle East crisis and the conditions to ease the conflict, we need to make sure these issues are clearly resolved.
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We also need to ensure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz." They also addressed efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea and achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula. France is a permanent UN Security Council member and this year's host of the G7 summit. Their cooperation will also extend to cultural and people-to-people exchanges, including expanding a working holiday program.
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The French president invited President Lee to this year's G7 summit. This comes as Seoul sees a growing need to strengthen "strategic communication" with Paris amid global uncertainties. Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News.
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영어 원문 출처 및 동영상 링크;
arirang news/Nat'l/Politics
https://m.arirang.com/news/view?id=294533