Ruling party leader urges stronger security cooperation in talks with French ambassador

The interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Monday stressed the need for closer security ties with France and other "like-minded" countries to address rising global uncertainties following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kwon Young-se made the remarks during his talks with French Ambassador to South Korea Philippe Bertoux at the National Assembly as he noted "it is time for closer cooperation between like-minded countries, including France, not only on the security front but also on the economic front."

Kwon also highlighted South Korea's efforts to support Ukraine, saying the war in Kyiv has far-reaching global implications beyond just a single region in Europe.

"We are highly committed to security as we deal with North Korea, which is believed to have nuclear weapons," Kwon said.

Bertoux emphasized the gravity of the current security threats, noting that the "crisis on the Korean Peninsula is escalating due to North Korea's ongoing nuclear and missile advancements, as well as its deepening cooperation with Russia, making the situation increasingly complex and challenging."

During the meeting, the two sides also pledged to bolster ties in technologies such as nuclear power, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. (Yonhap)