French, South Korean leaders say theyll work together on the Strait of Hormuz
3 minute readPublished: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 7:56 am
French and South Korean Leaders Pledge Cooperation on Strait of Hormuz
Seoul, South Korea – French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have committed to working together to address the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders met in Seoul on Friday, agreeing to collaborate on efforts to reopen the vital waterway and mitigate the global economic impact of the Middle East conflict.
The summit, Macron's first visit to South Korea since 2017, took place amidst growing international tensions and followed a tour of Japan. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, has been impacted by the conflict, causing significant disruptions to energy markets.
During a joint televised briefing, both leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation to secure the safe passage of ships through the strait. While specific details on how they plan to achieve this were not disclosed, Macron stressed the need to establish international conditions to de-escalate the crisis. Lee affirmed their commitment to ensuring the safety of shipping routes.
The meeting also saw the signing of agreements to expand cooperation in various sectors, including technology, energy, and critical minerals. These agreements include collaboration on nuclear fuel supply chains and joint investment in an offshore wind project. South Korea has been actively seeking to diversify its energy sources, particularly in light of the war's impact on fossil fuel imports.
The summit comes as the United States has expressed frustration with its allies' involvement in the region. In recent statements, former US President Donald Trump urged countries reliant on the strait, such as South Korea, Japan, and China, to take a more active role in securing the waterway. However, Macron has indicated that a military solution to reopen the strait is unrealistic. South Korean officials have stated they are in contact with Washington on the issue.
BNN's Perspective:
The commitment from France and South Korea to collaborate on the Strait of Hormuz is a positive step toward addressing a complex and potentially volatile situation. While the details of their plan remain unclear, their combined diplomatic and economic influence could contribute to a more stable and secure environment in the region. It is crucial that any efforts prioritize de-escalation and international cooperation to avoid further disruptions to global trade and energy markets.
Keywords: Strait of Hormuz, Emmanuel Macron, Lee Jae Myung, South Korea, France, Middle East, Oil, Energy, International Cooperation, Donald Trump, Global Economy, Shipping, Nuclear Energy, Renewable Energy