Seoul urges France to support stable operations of Korean firms in Europe
South Korea, Saudi Arabia agree on restoring freedom of navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on Monday (local time) on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Paris, discussing the situation in Ukraine and other issues.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers noted that bilateral ties had advanced significantly this year — the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries — through reciprocal summit visits and an upgrade of the relationship to a "Global Strategic Partnership." They agreed to continue expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across a range of sectors, including advanced industries.
Cho stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship grounded in shared core values, and asked for France's support in ensuring Korean companies can operate stably in Europe.
Also on Monday, Cho met with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, with both sides agreeing to further expand cooperation in nuclear power, advanced technology and defense industries.
Cho conveyed deep condolences over the civilian casualties and economic damage caused by recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and reaffirmed the South Korean government's strong solidarity and support. Cho also expressed hope that the unstable situation in the Middle East would stabilize soon and that peace in the region would be restored. Foreign Minister Faisal expressed gratitude for Cho's expressions of solidarity and support.
The two ministers also agreed on the importance of restoring the principle of freedom of navigation based on international law in the Strait of Hormuz, the ministry said.
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