President Lee Jae Myung on Sept. 11 held his first phone talks since taking office with the leaders of France and Poland at the Office of the President in Seoul. He is shown speaking with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. (Office of the President)

By Charles Audouin

President Lee Jae Myung on Sept. 11 held his first phone calls since taking office with the leaders of France and Poland, discussing friendly cooperation with each country, the Office of the President in Seoul said.

With French President Emmanuel Macron, President Lee exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, regional development and the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council.

President Lee proposed using the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year to advance the "21st-century comprehensive partnership" of both countries through continuous close communication.

President Macron said, "I hope for the opportunity to meet in person during the U.N. General Assembly to discuss bilateral relations and international issues."

In response, President Lee said, "Trade and investment between the two countries continue to expand. I hope to achieve our potential for cooperation in strategic industries such as artificial intelligence, space and defense."

Later in a phone call with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, President Lee agreed to raise bilateral cooperation in fields like defense, infrastructure, and trade and investment.

President Lee said, "I am pleased that cooperation in the defense industry between our two countries, which share history and values, has continued development. I hope this mutually beneficial partnership keeps going."

Prime Minister Tusk replied by saying, "As two major economies on the global stage, we have many areas of cooperation including the defense industry. I hope to further expand our partnership with Korea."

Seoul formed official ties with Warsaw in 1989.

caudouin@korea.kr