South Korea Expands Tech and Defense Ties at G7
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-taek secured expanded high-tech and defense cooperation agreements with France and Saudi Arabia during a G7 ministerial gathering in France.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-taek conducted a series of bilateral meetings in France on November 9 to strengthen strategic partnerships in technology and security. While attending a Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in Marseille, Cho met with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris to discuss the war in Ukraine and bilateral ties.
The two diplomats agreed to expand cooperation in high-tech industries, building on a strategic partnership established during the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Cho specifically requested that France continue supporting South Korean companies operating within Europe.
In separate talks during the G7 gathering, Cho met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan. The ministers agreed to increase cooperation in nuclear energy, the defense industry, and cutting-edge technologies. They also emphasized the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and Cho expressed sympathy regarding recent Houthi militant attacks on Saudi Arabia.
