ISTANBUL

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday discussed cooperation in the economy, security, emerging and advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, and nuclear and renewable energy during their first meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to Yonhap News, Lee invited Macron to visit South Korea next year to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Macron said such a visit would be “a great opportunity to prepare,” adding he was “excited” about traveling to South Korea.

Lee said he hopes bilateral ties can be “elevated to a strategic partnership, with cooperation strengthened in all areas — culture, economy, security, advanced technology and more.”

Macron also thanked Seoul for its “clear commitment” on issues related to Ukraine and other matters important to Paris.

The French president also met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

Modi said on US social media company X that the two leaders had an “engaging exchange on different issues,” adding: “India–France ties remain a force for global good!”

During Lee’s and Modi's separate meeting on the sidelines, the two sides discussed “further deepening” economic and investment linkages, Modi added.