1. Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Lee Yong-joon held the 2nd Korea-France Strategic Dialogue with 
Jacques Audibert, the French Foreign Ministry’s Political Director, in Paris on July 7. In the meeting, the 
two sides had a broad exchange of views on Korea-France relations; the current situation of the Korean 
peninsula and Northeast Asia; the Iranian nuclear issue; and a wide range of major international issues 
like those involving Afghanistan.

2. Deputy Minister Lee and Director Audibert noted that the latest Strategic Dialogue, held at an 
important point of time when Korea and France chair the G20 this and next year, respectively, 
would serve as a valuable opportunity to consolidate the Korea-France comprehensive partnership 
for the 21st century. They then agreed to hold the Strategic Dialogue on an annual basis, thereby 
further vitalizing bilateral consultations and information exchange on major international issues.

3. In the meeting, Deputy Minister Lee appreciated France’s issuance of two statements strongly 
condemning North Korea over the sinking of the Cheonan as well as its active support as one of the 
permanent members of the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, Director Audibert reaffirmed the French 
government’s strong support and cooperation over the Cheonan incident, the North Korean nuclear 
issue and other Korean peninsula-related issues.

4. The latest Strategic Dialogue is seen to have contributed to enhancing cooperation between Korea 
and France on major regional and international issues, including the current situation of the Korean 
peninsula, the Middle East and Southwest Asia, and the Iranian nuclear issue. It is also seen to have 
established the foundation for holding the Korea-France Strategic Dialogue on a regular basis.

                          Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation