Macron Stresses Cooperation for Peaceful Solution in Strait of Hormuz, Mentions "Multinational Mission" to President Lee

Following a summit with President Lee Jae-myung on the 8th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron stated, "I believe our two countries can cooperate on Middle East issues," adding, "We must find a peaceful solution to the issue of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

President Macron made the remarks during a joint press conference held right after the summit at the Élysée Palace in Paris.

President Macron also recalled, "Our two countries have previously examined what we can do, including with the UK, to resume navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."

This is interpreted as a reference to the discussion of this issue during the South Korea-France summit held in Seoul last April, as well as President Lee's participation in a video conference led by the UK and France to resolve the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

President Macron further stated, "We will cooperate to restore peace in this region," adding, "As soon as agreement is reached among various countries regarding that multinational mission, we will cooperate."

He also added, "That multinational mission is peaceful in nature."

At a time when attention is focused on how the South Korean government will respond to recent pressure from the US to dispatch troops, it is noteworthy that President Macron brought up a "multinational response" and a "peaceful mission" that includes the UK.

In addition, President Macron expressed the view that in international relations, an approach centered on the solidarity of various countries is more important than a specific nation leading the trend.

He evaluated, "Both of our countries defend our respective sovereignties and intend to implement joint projects and cooperation based on this. This allows us to strengthen our strategic autonomy," and added, "It also prevents us from depending on the hegemonic tendencies of superpowers and allows us to seek our own independent path."

Regarding the war in Ukraine, he also issued critical remarks against North Korea.

President Macron said, "North Korea is unhesitatingly providing support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine," and added, "Regarding this, we (South Korea and France) share a common vision based on the international legal order."

On the issue of peace on the Korean Peninsula, he stated, "For peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, the Republic of Korea can count on France's unwavering support."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.