Lee voices hope for closer cooperation with France on AI, energy, space | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has said South Korea and France need to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, 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 South Korea later in the day, with their summit talks scheduled on Friday. President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron hold talks on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Nov. 22, 2025. (Yonhap) Lee pointed to the geopolitical significance of the partnership, noting that France's engagement in the Indo-Pacific and South 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. It will mark Macron's first visit to South Korea since taking office in 2017. ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (2nd LD) Lee voices hope to elevate ties with France to strategic partnership during talks with Macron Lee to host France's Macron for state visit in early April Keywords #Lee #France Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) Lee, Prabowo agree to elevate bilateral ties, expand defense industry cooperation Gov't raises energy disruption alert to second-highest level (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break (2nd LD) Lee asks Indonesia's Prabowo to expand resource cooperation amid Mideast war (LEAD) Lee, Indonesia's Prabowo hold summit talks with eye on defense cooperation Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos Indonesian president visits S.

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By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has said South Korea and France need to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, 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 South 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.
President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron hold talks on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Nov. 22, 2025. (Yonhap)
Lee pointed to the geopolitical significance of the partnership, noting that France's engagement in the Indo-Pacific and South 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 South 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 South Korea since taking office in 2017.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Lee voices hope for closer cooperation with France on AI, energy, space

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- 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.

### Areas for Consideration
- It will mark Macron's first visit to South Korea since taking office in 2017. ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (2nd LD) Lee voices hope to elevate ties with France to strategic partnership during talks with Macron Lee to host France's Macron for state visit in early April Keywords #Lee #France Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) Lee, Prabowo agree to elevate bilateral ties, expand defense industry cooperation Gov't raises energy disruption alert to second-highest level (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break (2nd LD) Lee asks Indonesia's Prabowo to expand resource cooperation amid Mideast war (LEAD) Lee, Indonesia's Prabowo hold summit talks with eye on defense cooperation Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos Indonesian president visits S.

### Implications
- 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.
- It will mark Macron's first visit to South Korea since taking office in 2017. ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (2nd LD) Lee voices hope to elevate ties with France to strategic partnership during talks with Macron Lee to host France's Macron for state visit in early April Keywords #Lee #France Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel (News Focus) Han Kang's NBCC win again spotlights art of translation (2nd LD) Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' wins NBCC Award for haunting portrayal of trauma Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (Movie Review) 'Salmokji: Whispering Water': mood runs deeper than plot Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) Lee, Prabowo agree to elevate bilateral ties, expand defense industry cooperation Gov't raises energy disruption alert to second-highest level (LEAD) (News Focus) With 'Arirang,' BTS proves endurance beyond long break (2nd LD) Lee asks Indonesia's Prabowo to expand resource cooperation amid Mideast war (LEAD) Lee, Indonesia's Prabowo hold summit talks with eye on defense cooperation Most Viewed More Most Viewed Photos Indonesian president visits S.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers lee, korea, france topics. Notable strengths include discussion of lee. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 603.