South Korea France Deepen Security Economic Ties

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on September 8 to deepen defense and security cooperation and to coordinate efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and supply-chain stability in the Strait of Hormuz. The summit, held in Paris during Lee's two-day state visit, also yielded new agreements across artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, trade, and cultural exchange. Lee stated that the leaders agreed to achieve a "genuine leap forward" in defense and security cooperation to jointly respond to international uncertainties. The two governments plan to move quickly toward signing a reciprocal military logistics support agreement. An amended protocol to an existing pact on protecting military secrets was also signed, expanding access for French officials and tightening handling rules. Discussions on the Strait of Hormuz focused on how South Korea could contribute to international maritime security efforts, rather than on troop deployment, according to South Korean officials. President Lee said the countries would continue close coordination to restore navigation and supply chain stability in the critical waterway.