South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will hold summit talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Seoul on Friday. The discussions aim to strengthen cooperation in advanced technologies, energy and international issues, upgrading their 2004 comprehensive partnership to a global strategic one. The visit marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Seoul on Thursday and paid tribute at the War Memorial of Korea to honor French troops who fought in the 1950-53 Korean War, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said.
President Lee Jae Myung hosted a dinner for Macron and his wife Brigitte at Sangchunjae, a traditional reception hall in the Cheong Wa Dae compound. The meal was prepared by renowned chef Son Jong-won, who appeared in Season 2 of Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars."
Lee presented Macron with an ornamental piece reinterpreting a gift from Emperor Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty to French President Sadi Carnot in 1886, symbolizing a new chapter in Seoul-Paris relations. Brigitte Macron received a set of tableware and signed albums by K-pop artists BTS, Stray Kids and G-Dragon, reflecting her interest in Korean pop culture.
The Friday summit, their third in-person meeting after last year's G7 in Canada and G20 in South Africa, will upgrade the 2004 "comprehensive partnership for the 21st century" to a "global strategic partnership." Discussions focus on advanced technologies, energy, AI, nuclear energy, space and international coordination, per Kang. After talks, they will attend a signing ceremony for memorandums of understanding, joint press announcements and a state luncheon, while spouses visit the National Museum of Korea.
