ZURICH, November 10 (AJP) -South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has asked France to help ensure a stable business environment for Korean companies in Europe as the two countries deepen ties in their 140th year of diplomatic relations.
The envoy made the appeal during talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris on Monday afternoon on the sidelines of a Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ meeting, South Korea’s foreign ministry said Tuesday.
He sought France’s interest and support for Korean businesses operating in Europe, describing them as important economic partners of the European Union under the South Korea-EU free trade agreement and other arrangements.
The ministry’s account did not identify specific regulatory concerns or companies.
The request comes as Europe seeks to strengthen its industrial base through policies favoring local production. The European Commission’s proposed Industrial Accelerator Act includes European-content and low-carbon requirements for selected public procurement and support programs covering industries such as cars, batteries and construction materials. The Korean readout did not link Cho’s appeal to that proposal.
The commercial stakes are substantial. Trade in goods between South Korea and the EU reached about 124.25 billion euros in 2025, making the bloc Korea’s third-largest trading partner. Korean direct investment in the EU stood at 41.8 billion euros in 2024, with investments concentrated in Germany, Hungary and Poland, according to the European Commission.
The bilateral free trade agreement has applied provisionally since July 2011 and was formally ratified in December 2015.
Cho and Barrot agreed to expand practical cooperation in advanced industries and other fields. They welcomed reciprocal visits by their leaders this year and the elevation of bilateral ties to a “global strategic partnership.”
Barrot thanked South Korea for supporting France’s G7 presidency. The ministers also discussed the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and an international order grounded in law, according to the French foreign ministry.
The Korean ministry said the two exchanged views on Ukraine and agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation on major international issues.
- Tags: South Korea, France, Cho Hyun, Jean-Noël Barrot, G7, Korea-EU free trade agreement, European Union, global strategic partnership, Ukraine, Korean Peninsula, North Korea, foreign ministry
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