South Korea and France agree to expand high-tech cooperation and strengthen strategic ties as their foreign ministers discuss Ukraine and global security at the G7 meeting.
South Korea and France have agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, expand cooperation in advanced industries and maintain close coordination on international security issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. The discussions took place between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers' meeting in Marseille, France.
The meeting was held on November 9, 2026, as both countries marked the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The ministers reviewed the progress in bilateral ties following the elevation of their relationship to a Global Strategic Partnership earlier this year. They agreed to continue expanding practical and mutually beneficial cooperation across various sectors, particularly advanced industries.
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High-technology cooperation emerged as an important priority in the discussions. Both countries are seeking to strengthen collaboration in industries that support technological innovation, industrial competitiveness and economic growth. Their expanded engagement is expected to create opportunities for companies and research institutions in both countries to develop partnerships and pursue joint initiatives.
Cho also highlighted the importance of supporting South Korean companies operating in European markets. He called on France to maintain its interest in and support for Korean businesses seeking to expand their presence in Europe. South Korea has become an important economic partner of the European Union through the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement, which provides a framework for trade and investment engagement between the two sides.
The ministers also exchanged views on major regional and international developments, including the war in Ukraine. They agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation on international issues, reflecting their shared interest in regional stability and global security. The discussions form part of broader diplomatic engagement between Seoul and Paris as they seek to strengthen coordination on challenges affecting the international community.
The G7 foreign ministers' meeting, held on November 9 and 10, brought together representatives of the world's leading industrialised economies to discuss international challenges. South Korea attended at the invitation of France, which holds the G7 presidency. The agenda included global developments involving artificial intelligence and the Middle East, following the G7 leaders' summit in June.
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The strengthened partnership builds on agreements reached during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to South Korea in April 2026. At that time, the two countries elevated bilateral relations to a Global Strategic Partnership and identified cooperation priorities spanning defence and security, trade, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, energy and space.