President Lee Jae-myung stressed that "cooperation between Korea and France must move beyond a simple partnership toward deeper strategic alignment."
Lee published an op-ed in the French daily Le Figaro on Monday ahead of his summit with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron arrives in South Korea on Monday for a state visit and will hold a summit with Lee on Tuesday.
In the op-ed titled "Shared Values and Culture: 140 Years of Korea-France Friendship," Lee wrote that "the 140-year diplomatic relationship between France and the Republic of Korea carries significance beyond mere historical legacy in shaping the international order." Lee cited the 140-year diplomatic history and shared democratic values as the foundation of the Korea-France relationship. "In an increasingly divided and uncertain international environment, partnerships between democracies that share common values are no longer optional but a strategic necessity," he wrote. "The long-standing relationship between our two countries holds important meaning for shaping today's international order."
Lee described bilateral ties, which began with the 1886 Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Joseon and France, as having evolved into a comprehensive partnership spanning diplomacy, industry, technology and culture. "France's longstanding commitment to strategic autonomy and multilateralism naturally aligns with Korea's democratic foundations and its rise as a global technology powerhouse," he wrote. "At a time of growing geopolitical competition and systemic uncertainty, this is no longer a coincidence but a necessity."
Lee highlighted the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. "Cooperation in key areas such as artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, hydrogen technology and the space industry is not only a driving force for innovation but a condition for resilience," he wrote. "In an era of fragile supply chains and fierce technological competition, cooperation directly contributes to economic security and long-term stability."
"Bilateral cooperation also carries geopolitical significance," Lee added. "France's engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and Korea's central role on the Korean Peninsula place the relationship at the heart of a larger effort to maintain balance in a highly competitive space."
Lee also emphasized strengthening Korea-France cooperation through cultural exchange. "Korean films, music, food and design are gaining growing recognition across France, and Korean artists and designers are making their presence felt at events such as Paris Fashion Week," he wrote. "Seorae Village and the Seoul French School in Seoul, and the Korean community and the Korean Pavilion at Cité Internationale Universitaire in Paris, are symbolic spaces of living exchange between the peoples of both countries."
"As France assumes the presidency of the Group of Seven this year, I hope that the Korean public becomes more widely aware of the important role France plays in the international order," Lee wrote. "The friendship between our two countries is not merely a legacy to be commemorated but a partnership to be consciously deepened."