French and South Korean Presidents Agree to Enhance Defense Cooperation Amid Middle East Tensions
French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed to strengthen defense cooperation and collaborate on addressing economic and energy crises exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Iran. During Macron's two-day state visit to South Korea, the leaders held a summit in Seoul where they discussed strategies to bolster energy security and ensure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz. This visit marks the first by a French president to South Korea since 2015, aiming to enhance France's strategic and economic influence in the region amidst heightened international tensions. The two countries plan to expand cooperation in security fields such as aerospace and defense, and are set to sign preliminary agreements in sectors including critical minerals, semiconductors, quantum technologies, nuclear energy, and wind power.