President Moon Jae-in talks to his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on May 29. The two leaders agree to further develop their bilateral strategic partnership. (Cheong Wa Dae)

By Sohn JiAe

President Moon Jae-in spoke with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on May 29.

“Hopefully, our two countries will continue candid talks on ways to further develop bilateral ties, as well as about issues of mutual interest,” said President Moon. “I hope that our two countries will continue to develop their strategic partnership,” he said.

The president continued, “As you did as minister of the economy, industry and digital affairs, you should establish a channel of dialogue and closely cooperate across business sectors. In the education sector, too, I hope you will strengthen cooperation by means of ministerial-level dialogue.”

As for North Korean issues, President Moon said, “I feel so grateful for your wholehearted support from the French government in this regard. I know Paris played a very crucial role in making the Iran nuclear deal possible. I expect you to help us solve the North’s nuclear weapons matters based on that experience.”

Emphasizing that France would continue to work on Korea`s side, President Macron said, “France, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, has played an important role in solving Iran’s nuclear weapons issues. We will share diplomatic and military data that could be useful, if you want. If you send officials to France, I will put them in touch with our diplomatic and defense experts for talks.”

Mentioning his visit to Seoul in November 2014 when he was minister of the economy, the French president added that, “I see that our relationship with Korea has gained quite a lot of vitality between 2015 and 2016, since my first visit. I want to see our bilateral ties take another leap forward.”

He concluded by saying that, “I look forward to meeting you at the G20 summit in Germany scheduled for July.”

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