Macron and Lee Vow Cooperation on Hormuz and Global Economic Stability
French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Seoul on Friday, agreeing to cooperate on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address global economic uncertainties connected to the Middle East situation. The summit also saw commitments to expand bilateral cooperation in technology, energy, and critical minerals.
Summit Focus on Middle East and Strait of Hormuz
During their meeting, President Macron stated that both nations could contribute to stabilizing the Middle East, specifically regarding the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on global energy markets. In a joint briefing following the discussions, Macron emphasized the importance of French-South Korean cooperation to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and ensure the strait's reopening. President Lee affirmed both leaders' commitment to securing shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The leaders did not provide specific details on methods for reopening the waterway, which is a critical passage for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Macron indicated that international conditions for easing the crisis in the Middle East need clear definition, and that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is necessary.
Macron also previously stated that a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is not a realistic solution.
Expanded Bilateral Cooperation
Beyond the discussions on regional stability, President Lee and President Macron agreed to broaden cooperation across various sectors, including technology and energy. Officials from both countries signed agreements focused on:
- Collaboration on nuclear fuel supply chains.
- Joint investment in an offshore wind project located in southern South Korea.
- Cooperation on critical minerals.
South Korea is currently increasing its nuclear reactor output to address energy challenges. The country is also advocating for a faster transition to renewable energy sources, citing its reliance on fossil fuel imports, which current global events have highlighted.
International Context and U.S. Perspectives
President Macron's visit to South Korea, his first since taking office in 2017 and part of a wider Asian tour that included Japan, occurred amidst statements from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had criticized allies for what he perceived as insufficient support in the conflict involving Iran, specifically regarding U.S. and Israeli efforts.
President Trump previously stated that the U.S. does not require the Strait of Hormuz, urging countries dependent on it to address the issue.
He called for Asian allies, including South Korea, Japan, and China, to assist in reopening the waterway, citing their reliance on its oil shipments. Trump cited a figure of 45,000 U.S. troops in South Korea; however, the U.S. maintains approximately 28,000 troops there, primarily deployed to deter aggression from North Korea.
South Korean officials have confirmed ongoing contact with Washington regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue.
They clarified that Seoul is not considering paying transit fees to Iran for fuel shipments through the strait.