(2nd LD) Lee, Macron discuss cooperation on Middle East crisis | Yonhap News Agency

## Summary
OK (ATTN: UPDATES latest details throughout; CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS photo) By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron held summit talks Friday and discussed ways to expand cooperation to mitigate the economic impacts of the war in the Middle East while strengthening strategic coordination on international issues. Lee addressed growing concerns over uncertainties in global energy supply chains as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, has been effectively disrupted for weeks by the United States' war in Iran, pushing up prices for crude and related products worldwide. "The repercussions of the war in the Middle East are shaking the international order, with its ripple effect spreading across the global economy and energy sector," Lee said his opening remarks. "I hope that through today's talks we can pool our wisdom and jointly explore measures to respond to the crisis for a swift restoration of peace in the Middle East and a recovery of global energy supply chains." President Lee Jae Myung (R) shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Lee noted that Seoul and Paris have expanded cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including future strategic industries, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy and defense, and expressed hope to deepen coordination on the international stage. "As responsible members of the international community, the two countries are also working together to respond to rapid changes in the global landscape," he said. President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron hold summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Lee said Macron extended a formal invitation to the Group of Seven summit scheduled for June in Evian, France, adding that he accepted the invitation. President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron head to Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul for their summit talks on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (LEAD) Lee hosts dinner for France's Macron ahead of summit Lee voices hope for closer cooperation with France on AI, energy, space FM Cho discusses Macron's S.

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(ATTN: UPDATES latest details throughout; CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS photo)
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron held summit talks Friday and discussed ways to expand cooperation to mitigate the economic impacts of the war in the Middle East while strengthening strategic coordination on international issues.
Lee addressed growing concerns over uncertainties in global energy supply chains as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, has been effectively disrupted for weeks by the United States' war in Iran, pushing up prices for crude and related products worldwide.
"The repercussions of the war in the Middle East are shaking the international order, with its ripple effect spreading across the global economy and energy sector," Lee said his opening remarks. "I hope that through today's talks we can pool our wisdom and jointly explore measures to respond to the crisis for a swift restoration of peace in the Middle East and a recovery of global energy supply chains."
President Lee Jae Myung (R) shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
Lee noted that Seoul and Paris have expanded cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including future strategic industries, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy and defense, and expressed hope to deepen coordination on the international stage.
"As responsible members of the international community, the two countries are also working together to respond to rapid changes in the global landscape," he said.
He also expressed hope to maintain close coordination with France -- a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council -- on efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula.
President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron hold summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
Lee said Macron extended a formal invitation to the Group of Seven summit scheduled for June in Evian, France, adding that he accepted the invitation. If he attends, it would mark his second consecutive appearance at the G7, following his participation in Canada last year.
Lee welcomed the two countries' decision to upgrade ties from "a comprehensive partnership for the 21st century," established in 2004, to "a global strategic partnership," calling it "a new milestone" in bilateral relations built on 140 years of trust and friendship.
Macron struck a similar tone, expressing hope to expand cooperation across a broad range of areas, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors, space and culture, under the upgraded partnership.
He said that Seoul and Paris could strengthen security cooperation and work together to help stabilize the situation in the Middle East, including ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The visit marks Macron's first trip to South Korea since taking office in 2017 and the first by a French president in 11 years. It comes as the two countries mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established with the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between France and the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron head to Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul for their summit talks on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap)
ejkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Lee welcomed the two countries' decision to upgrade ties from "a comprehensive partnership for the 21st century," established in 2004, to "a global strategic partnership," calling it "a new milestone" in bilateral relations built on 140 years of trust and friendship.

### Areas for Consideration
- Korean visit, Middle East situation with French counterpart Lee to host France's Macron for state visit in early April Keywords #Lee #France #Macron Articles with issue keywords Most Liked Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' (LEAD) BTS scores 7th No. 1 album on Billboard 200 with 'Arirang' Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold (URGENT) BTS earns 7th No. 1 song on the Billboard singles chart with 'Swim' Most Saved Oscar-winning 'KPop Demon Hunters' directors promise 'bigger,' more 'eventful' sequel Paik Kun-woo, at 80, says 'Music chose me' Liberal ex-prime minister to declare mayoral bid in conservative stronghold (LEAD) S.

### Implications
- OK (ATTN: UPDATES latest details throughout; CHANGES headline, lead; ADDS photo) By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, April 3 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron held summit talks Friday and discussed ways to expand cooperation to mitigate the economic impacts of the war in the Middle East while strengthening strategic coordination on international issues.
- Lee addressed growing concerns over uncertainties in global energy supply chains as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, has been effectively disrupted for weeks by the United States' war in Iran, pushing up prices for crude and related products worldwide. "The repercussions of the war in the Middle East are shaking the international order, with its ripple effect spreading across the global economy and energy sector," Lee said his opening remarks. "I hope that through today's talks we can pool our wisdom and jointly explore measures to respond to the crisis for a swift restoration of peace in the Middle East and a recovery of global energy supply chains." President Lee Jae Myung (R) shakes hands with French President Emmanuel Macron ahead of their talks at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap) Lee noted that Seoul and Paris have expanded cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including future strategic industries, such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, space, nuclear energy and defense, and expressed hope to deepen coordination on the international stage. "As responsible members of the international community, the two countries are also working together to respond to rapid changes in the global landscape," he said.
- He said that Seoul and Paris could strengthen security cooperation and work together to help stabilize the situation in the Middle East, including ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Lee Jae Myung (R) and French President Emmanuel Macron head to Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul for their summit talks on April 3, 2026. (Yonhap) ejkim@yna.co.kr (END) Related Articles (LEAD) Lee hosts dinner for France's Macron ahead of summit Lee voices hope for closer cooperation with France on AI, energy, space FM Cho discusses Macron's S.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers lee, macron, lead topics. Notable strengths include discussion of lee. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 850.