Yoon's Expo Bid Battle in Paris... Full Economic Diplomacy Effort in Vietnam

Attending BIE General Assembly... Yoon "Will Show a Differentiated Vision"
State Visit to Vietnam... Discussing Upgraded Relationship Development Plan

President Yoon Suk-yeol will embark on a 4-night, 6-day trip from the 19th to the 24th to visit France and Vietnam. After attending the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE) held in Paris, France on the 20th and 21st (local time), he will move to Vietnam to focus on economic diplomacy, including expanding mutual investment, deepening advanced technology cooperation, and increasing human and material exchanges.

At the 172nd BIE General Assembly held in Paris, efforts will be made to support the bid for the 2030 World Expo in Busan and to change the atmosphere. President Yoon emphasized at the Cabinet meeting on the 13th that attending the BIE General Assembly would be "an opportunity to showcase the differentiated vision of the Busan Expo." In particular, on the 20th, during the presentation (PT) event against competing countries and the official reception hosted by Korea on the 21st, bid activities will be conducted targeting delegations and diplomatic corps from various countries.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

During his visit to France, President Yoon will hold a summit and luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Presidential Office stated, "The two leaders will discuss how to harmoniously develop their respective Indo-Pacific strategies and contribute to freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region," adding, "From 2024 to 2025, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we will also discuss ways to enhance cooperation with France, a permanent member of the Security Council, on international security issues."

President Yoon also expressed high expectations. In an op-ed published in the French daily Le Figaro on the 17th, he said, "Since establishing the 'Comprehensive Partnership for the 21st Century' in 2004, the Republic of Korea and France have expanded exchanges in various fields such as politics, security, economy, culture, and education. It is now time to develop the cooperative relationship between the two countries to a new level," and added, "Koreans hope to become partners who leap higher and farther together with the French people."

He also mentioned, "Amid escalating confrontation between liberal democracy and authoritarian forces, the rule-based international order and peace are under threat," expressing his willingness to cooperate with France in security areas such as the Ukraine war and North Korean nuclear issues.

After visiting France, from the 22nd to the 24th, he will make a state visit to Vietnam. This is a reciprocal visit following the state visit to Korea by then State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the end of last year. On the 23rd, he will hold a Korea-Vietnam summit with State President Vo Van Thuong to discuss ways to expand and develop the bilateral relationship, which has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He will also hold individual meetings with Vietnam's top leadership, including Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party and the highest-ranking official, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Additionally, he will carry out official state visit schedules, including a state banquet. A Presidential Office official said regarding the significance of this state visit, "As the government enters its second year, it is expected to fully launch the Indo-Pacific strategy and the Korea-ASEAN solidarity initiative."

The state visit to Vietnam focuses on strengthening economic cooperation with Vietnam, Korea's third-largest trading partner. The largest economic delegation under the Yoon administration, consisting of 205 members, will accompany him, reflecting this focus. This includes major group leaders such as Lee Jae-yong, Chairman of Samsung Electronics; Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group; Chung Eui-sun, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group; Koo Kwang-mo, Chairman of LG Group; and Kim Dong-kwan, Vice Chairman of Hanwha.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.