South Korea Seeks Strategic Partnership With France in AI and Nuclear Energy

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has called for relations with France to move beyond a traditional partnership and develop into a broader strategic cooperation focused on future industries and economic resilience.

Lee said in remarks published by Le Figaro that closer coordination between the two countries in artificial intelligence and nuclear energy could create major opportunities for innovation, industrial growth and long-term sustainable development. His comments came just before the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron in Seoul for a two-day state visit.

Officials from both sides said summit talks and bilateral meetings will focus on advanced technologies, clean and nuclear energy, investment and broader economic cooperation. South Korean reports also said the agenda may include space, hydrogen technology and long-term economic security as both countries seek stronger strategic alignment.

Lee described the relationship as one built on shared democratic values and mutual trust, arguing that the current global climate of uncertainty requires deeper cooperation among like-minded nations. He said stronger ties with France are no longer just diplomatic, but increasingly necessary for industrial and strategic stability.

The remarks also reflect Seoul’s wider push to strengthen international partnerships in emerging technologies and energy transition, as countries compete to secure supply chains, digital capacity and future industrial leadership. France, with its strengths in nuclear power and advanced engineering, is viewed as a natural long-term partner.

Relations between South Korea and France have expanded steadily over decades, covering diplomacy, trade, culture and industrial cooperation. This year also marks around 140 years of formal bilateral ties, giving added symbolic importance to Macron’s visit and the effort to deepen strategic coordination.

The visit comes at a time when many governments are racing to invest in artificial intelligence, energy security and next-generation industries. For Seoul and Paris, closer cooperation in these sectors could help both sides strengthen competitiveness while reducing exposure to growing geopolitical and supply chain risks.

The planned talks between South Korea and France signal a broader effort by both governments to turn political goodwill into practical cooperation. If agreements emerge from the visit, the partnership could become more influential in shaping future collaboration on technology, energy and economic security.

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