France and South Korea Boost Defense and Trade Cooperation

French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held a summit at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Tuesday, where they agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, technology, trade, and energy. This meeting coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Their partnership was elevated to a global strategic partnership earlier this year, focusing on security, advanced technology, and energy. They signed an agreement to enhance military information exchange and are working towards a military logistics support agreement.

Additionally, they aim to increase annual bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030. The countries will expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum technology, highlighted by a deal where Samsung Electronics will invest in French AI company Mistral AI.

Energy collaboration includes next-generation nuclear reactors and joint research on nuclear power plants. These agreements are intended to strengthen economic resilience and open new opportunities for companies in both countries.