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Lee Jae-myung, president of South Korea, speaks by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on September 11. / Source: Yonhap

President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on September 11.

According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, Macron congratulated Lee on his inauguration and expressed hope that relations between the two countries would grow even closer.

Lee responded, noting the steady expansion of bilateral trade and investment, and added, “I hope we can realize the potential for cooperation in strategic industries such as artificial intelligence, space, and defense.”

The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, regional security, and issues before the UN Security Council. They agreed to use next year’s 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to advance relations into a “comprehensive 21st-century partnership.”

Earlier the same day, Lee also spoke by phone with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Lee welcomed the ongoing growth of bilateral defense industry cooperation based on shared history and values, saying he hoped mutually beneficial ties would continue.

Tusk replied that, as major economic players, Poland and South Korea have many areas for collaboration, including defense, and voiced hope for an expanded partnership.