South Korea and France are moving to deepen their bilateral defense and technological cooperation, pledging closer coordination on global supply chains and freedom of navigation during a summit in Paris.
According to an official press briefing released by the South Korean presidential office via Yonhap News Agency, President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron met at the Élysée Palace on September 8, 2026, to expand their “Global Strategic Partnership.” The talks yielded new agreements on military information sharing, nuclear research, and a shared target of reaching $20 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
## Deepening Defense and Security Ties
To navigate growing uncertainties in the international security environment, both nations agreed to elevate their defense and security collaboration. According to the presidential office statement reported by Yonhap News Agency, the two leaders oversaw the signing of a revision protocol to the bilateral General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) to refine their intelligence-exchange mechanisms.
Negotiations are also accelerating for a Mutual Logistics Support Agreement to enhance the stability of joint military operations. President Lee pointed to upcoming joint air force exercises, including the “Pegasus” drills scheduled for the following week in Seoul, alongside reciprocal naval port visits later in the year, as concrete indicators of deepening interoperability.
France, recognized as a leading European defense exporter, has historically contributed to capability-enhancement programs for the South Korean military. Both leaders committed to actively identifying new cooperative projects that offer mutual economic and strategic benefits.
## Securing Supply Chains and Maritime Freedom
Addressing global geopolitical flashpoints, President Lee emphasized that South Korea and France will maintain close coordination to ensure the prompt restoration of freedom of navigation and the stability of global supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korean leader recalled his participation in an April meeting hosted by France and the United Kingdom regarding maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. While mounting pressure from the United States has intensified discussions around South Korea’s potential naval contributions to the region, the diplomatic outreach in Paris signals Seoul’s intent to coordinate multilateral responses alongside European partners.
On the diplomatic front, President Macron reiterated France’s consistent support for South Korea’s official policies regarding the Korean Peninsula, affirming that both nations will work in tandem to secure regional stability. Regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine, President Lee stated that Seoul will continue its multifaceted support and cooperate with the international community toward eventual peace and reconstruction.
## Expanding Nuclear and Advanced Technology Partnerships
Economic discussions centered on a target of achieving $20 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The leaders outlined plans to connect industrial markets through joint ventures in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space exploration, nuclear energy, and biotechnology.
Building on an April agreement covering the full nuclear fuel cycle, the two governments finalized an additional cooperation document focused on nuclear research and development alongside fuel supply strategies. According to Yonhap News Agency, this framework aims to advance the development of next-generation reactors and diversify mid-to-long-term supply chains.
To institutionalize these energy ties, President Lee and President Macron agreed to establish a high-level dialogue channel dedicated to civil nuclear cooperation.
## Strengthening People-to-People and Institutional Exchanges
The nations plan to revise their bilateral aviation agreement to expand flight services and passenger capacity. Additional cultural and educational initiatives include broadening participation requirements for working holiday programs, launching a pilot project to dispatch South Korean teaching assistants to France, activating professional networks for next-generation researchers, and boosting joint investments in the cultural sector. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies from both countries concluded a policing cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening joint responses to transnational crime.
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