President Lee: "We Will Bring the Korea-France Summit Agreement into People's Lives"

Proposing Six Key Areas of Cooperation, Including $20 Billion Trade by 2030, Nuclear Power, and Defense Industry
"May Today Be Remembered as a New Starting Point 140 Years from Now"

During his state visit to France, President Lee Jae-myung on September 9 directly outlined the six key areas of cooperation agreed upon between Korea and France—defense and security, economy and industry, and advanced technology—stating, "I will bring today’s agreements into the daily lives of our people."

President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron greeted each other after a joint press conference at the Élysée Palace in Paris on September 8, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee, who is in France on a state visit, posted on Facebook earlier that day under the title “Cooperation between Korea and France, extending into the everyday lives of our people,” saying, “The trust built in Seoul this past April has led to tangible results in Paris today." He emphasized, "What’s important is that the people and businesses of both countries can actually feel these achievements."

President Lee first explained that, in the field of defense and security, the two countries will strengthen their military information exchange system by revising the military secret information protection agreement, and that Korea and France will expand their defense industry cooperation through the 'Pegase' joint air force drills and mutual port visits between the two navies, both scheduled for next week in Seoul. As part of this summit, Korea and France have adopted a total of 16 cooperation documents, including the amendment protocol to the military secret information protection agreement.

In the economic and industrial sectors, the two countries set a goal to achieve bilateral trade volume of 20 billion dollars by 2030. President Lee stated, "Over twenty companies are now seeking new avenues for cooperation and investment," and added that the government will also enhance support systems for businesses entering each other's markets. The Korea-France Business Roundtable, held earlier, was attended by major business leaders from both countries, including Lee Jae-yong, Executive Chairman of Samsung Electronics, who discussed cooperation and investment measures in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced industries.

In the field of advanced industries, the two countries will pursue joint research and market development in AI, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy, and biotechnology. President Lee particularly emphasized, “We will further strengthen our partnership for next-generation reactor development and private-sector nuclear cooperation.”

The two presidents also agreed on institutional improvements to expand people-to-people exchanges. They revised the Korea-France aviation agreement, initially signed in 1974, for the first time in 52 years and will expand the scope of the working holiday program starting this coming October. Korea and France also agreed to strengthen joint security cooperation to respond together to transnational crimes. In the sphere of culture, plans were reaffirmed to expand the European reach of K-content based on the 1 billion euro (about 1.6 trillion won) ‘Lumière Partnership.’

President Lee also addressed international issues, stating, "Our two nations have resolved to work together to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as for the recovery and reconstruction of peace in Ukraine," and noted that President Macron expressed support for the Korean government’s efforts to improve inter-Korean relations.

He concluded, "Together, we will respond to the challenges facing the international community and become even stronger 'global strategic partners.' I hope that 140 years from now, future generations will remember today as a new starting point for Korea and France. Let us join hands and move forward with confidence." President Lee finished his message in French, saying "Merci beaucoup! (Thank you very much)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.