President Moon Jae-in, on the sidelines of the G20 Osaka Summit in Japan, held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at a bilateral summit conference room on the first floor of INTEX Osaka this afternoon. At their summit, the two Presidents discussed recent regional circumstances and ways to expand cooperation between Korea and France.

President Macron began by saying that he is in full support of President Moon’s efforts for regional stability and the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, adding that France is prepared to provide everything needed to that end.

President Moon greeted the French President by saying, “I am glad to see you again after my visit to France last October.” He went on to say, “I thank the French Government for rendering assistance in safely extricating a Korean national, who had been abducted by a militant group in Burkina Faso while on a trip through Africa. I express my deep condolences for the two French soldiers who lost their lives during the rescue operation.” 

President Moon next congratulated President Macron for his country’s successful hosting of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2019 and expressed gratitude for his Government's consistent support for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

President Macron showed keen interest in the situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula, including the North Korea-U.S. talks. In response, President Moon highly praised the fact that momentum for dialogue between the two sides is being revived, as evidenced by the exchange of personal letters between their leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to North Korea. In this regard, President Moon said, “I hope France will render unremitting support so that a third North Korea-U.S. summit will be held, bringing about complete denuclearization and the establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.” 

In his reply to the update from President Moon, President Macron emphasized once again that he fully supports the Korean Government’s efforts.

The two Presidents exchanged their views on climate change responses and reached agreement to actively join forces in this regard going forward. 

President Moon said, “Korea is acting as a bridge between advanced countries and developing nations by helping developing countries respond to climate change and transition to low-carbon economies through the Global Green Growth Institute.” The President expressed his gratitude to France for showing its support for the European Union joining the GGGI. Moreover, President Moon said he looks forward to vibrant discussion regarding France, a nation leading the climate change response, itself joining the GGGI. 

President Macron expressed his understanding and support for the Korean Government’s endeavor to respond to climate change and his wish to see the two countries work together on reducing carbon dioxide emissions. 

The two leaders promised to arrange a visit to Korea by President Macron at the earliest possible date. 

Today’s bilateral summit was arranged upon the request of France after the G20 Osaka Summit had already commenced.