Strategic energy partnership took center stage during Friday’s summit between South Korea and France. President Lee Jae Myung hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. The meeting marked Macron’s first state visit to South Korea. It also commemorated the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between both nations. Consequently, this strategic energy partnership aims to address the energy shock from the prolonged Middle East war.
Lee and Macron agreed to coordinate on securing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. An effective blockade continues in that strategic waterway after recent US strikes on Iran. Both leaders also committed to sharing policy experience and strategies. They will jointly respond to the economic and energy crisis caused by the conflict. Furthermore, they agreed to expand cooperation in nuclear energy and offshore wind. This strategic energy partnership thus directly targets the region’s most pressing vulnerabilities.
Macron emphasized the importance of strengthening security cooperation between Seoul and Paris. Both countries share support for UN multilateralism and respect for international law. Given the volatile global landscape, Macron called for a coalition of independent countries. He added that France and South Korea must strengthen their defense relationship. Regular strategic exchanges and information sharing will form the foundation. Interoperability between both armed forces will also improve significantly. The French military’s Pegase mission will stop in South Korea this September. French naval vessels will also make annual port calls in the coming years.
South Korea and France revised their General Security of Military Information Agreement. The update strengthens protection and management of classified military information. It covers exchanges in defense and armaments cooperation fields. Consequently, mutual trust between the two countries will enhance substantially. Lee also disclosed that Macron formally invited him to attend the G7 summit. That summit will take place in Evian-les-Bains, France this June.
Both sides elevated their Comprehensive Partnership for the 21st Century. The original agreement dated back to 2004 between both nations. The upgrade to a Global Strategic Partnership took 22 years to achieve. This strategic energy partnership now sits within a broader diplomatic framework. Lee and Macron also agreed to promote joint growth in advanced science. Future industries including AI, semiconductors, and quantum technologies will receive attention.
Following the summit, both sides revised three existing bilateral agreements. These include the working holiday agreement and cultural cooperation terms. The General Security of Military Information Agreement also received updates. Additionally, officials signed 11 MOUs and letters of intent. These span nuclear fuel cooperation, clean energy, and critical minerals. Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power signed agreements with French companies Orano and Framatome. Those deals will ensure a stable fuel supply for South Korean nuclear plants. They also lay groundwork for joint entry into global nuclear energy markets.
From 2020 to 2024, KHNP imported 2,077 tons of enriched uranium for nuclear fuel. France supplied the largest share at 38 percent of that total. Russia followed with 32 percent during the same period. The United Kingdom provided 25 percent, while China supplied 5 percent. Another MOU between KHNP and Electricite de France will boost offshore wind growth. A letter of intent on critical mineral supply chains also establishes stable development foundations.
Macron’s visit marks the first by a French leader since Francois Hollande came in 2015. It is also Macron’s first trip to Seoul since he took office in 2017. The Centre Pompidou Hanwha Seoul officially opened during the visit. It will enhance access to French art in South Korea’s capital. Lee said both countries will advance toward one million people-to-people exchanges. Macron added that Lee’s upcoming state visit to France this September will reinforce cooperation. This strategic energy partnership will likely expand further during that September trip.
