South Korea and France to deepen defense ties as global conflicts rage

South Korea and France have pledged to strengthen defence cooperation and tackle economic and energy challenges stemming from the Iran conflict, while planning joint initiatives in critical minerals, semiconductors, and clean energy.

Dogyun Kim, Minwoo Park, Jungmin Ryu, Cooper Inveen/Reuters

April 03, 2026

South Korea and France to deepen defense ties as global conflicts rage

A screengrab photo in video showing French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung standing into News Conference Room.

Reuters

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (April 3) they planned to boost defence cooperation and work together to address the economic and energy crises triggered by the war in Iran.

The leaders also confirmed their commitment to bolstering energy security including by collaborating to secure safe maritime transport routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Lee said after the summit.

Macron said after Friday's summit that the countries, both major arms manufacturers, would strive to boost their defence ties.

South Korea and France are due to sign a number of preliminary agreements to cooperate in sectors including critical minerals, semiconductors, quantum technologies, nuclear energy and wind power, Lee's office said.

-Dogyun Kim, Minwoo Park, Jungmin Ryu, Cooper Inveen/Reuters