Seoul, April 3 (SANA) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and French President Emmanuel Macron have vowed to bolster defense cooperation and address the economic and energy fallout from the ongoing war in the Middle East.
During a summit in Seoul, the leaders stressed the importance of coordinating efforts to secure energy supplies amid rising regional tensions, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
President Lee highlighted an agreement to exchange expertise and develop joint strategies to mitigate the war’s impact, particularly in the economic and energy sectors, noting South Korea’s heavy reliance on energy imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron, meanwhile, described military action to reopen the strait as “unrealistic,” despite U.S. calls for securing navigation, citing ongoing tensions’ direct impact on global energy markets and growing concerns over a potential economic slowdown.
Both leaders also committed to expanding defense collaboration through joint military exercises, the development of shared capabilities, and partnerships in the defense industry, aligning with current security challenges.
The summit comes as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies and push prices higher, prompting major industrial nations to coordinate policies to mitigate the economic impact.
F.J./ABD
