# Lee's trip to France builds fresh momentum to deepen 140-yr-old relationship > Source: > Published: 2026-09-09 18:37:02+00:00 PARIS — The South Korean and French leaders may have created a rare opportunity for their countries' bilateral relations, 140 years after they were first forged, Seoul officials said Wednesday, pointing to a series of agreements signed this week that will likely strengthen their partnerships in a wide range of areas, including nuclear power plants and artificial intelligence (AI). President Lee Jae Myung wrapped up his four-day trip to France earlier in the day, heading home with a handful of agreements that include those calling for enhanced cooperation in areas such as defense manufacturing, nuclear energy and other advanced industries. "It marked a chance to concretely and practically develop cooperation between the two countries," Seoul's National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said of Lee's trip that included a two-day state visit to Paris. The South Korean president began his France trip in Nice, where he and French President Emmanuel Macron co-chaired the countries' first-ever joint meeting on ways to develop the film industry. Lee and Macron held summit talks in Paris on Tuesday