Photo courtesy of Anadolu
South Korea and France are expanding their strategic partnership across defense, advanced technology and energy, as the two countries seek greater room to maneuver amid shifting global alliances and security challenges.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a series of agreements following their summit in Paris, where the leaders marked the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between their countries.
Security emerged as a central focus of the talks. Seoul and Paris agreed to strengthen safeguards governing classified military information, building on arrangements discussed during Macron’s visit to South Korea in April. They are also pursuing an agreement that would allow their armed forces to provide logistical support to each other.
The partnership is expected to extend into defense production. Lee said South Korea’s large-scale manufacturing capabilities could complement France’s technological expertise, opening opportunities for joint projects rather than limiting cooperation to conventional arms purchases.
Economic ties are also being given a larger target. The two governments want annual bilateral trade to reach $20 billion by 2030 and pledged to make it easier for companies from both countries to expand investment and business in each other’s markets.
Artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum technology were identified as priority industries. Samsung Electronics has already entered a partnership with French AI firm Mistral AI aimed at applying artificial intelligence to semiconductor operations, providing one example of the commercial cooperation envisioned by the two governments.
Energy formed another pillar of the talks. Seoul and Paris agreed to pursue cooperation on next-generation nuclear reactors, civilian nuclear technology and supply-chain diversification, areas where both countries see opportunities to combine research and industrial capabilities.
Macron framed the closer relationship as part of an effort by both countries to preserve their sovereignty and strategic autonomy amid global upheaval. He said stronger cooperation in security, technology and energy could help prevent either country from becoming overly dependent on a major power.
The leaders also exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula, the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Both governments backed freedom of navigation and continued diplomatic efforts toward reopening the strategic waterway.
The agreements give the 140-year relationship a broader strategic dimension, moving Seoul and Paris beyond traditional diplomacy and trade toward closer coordination in industries and security issues increasingly shaped by competition among major powers.