S. Korea, France sign MOU to strengthen cooperation in AI, semiconductors

SEOUL, Sept. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and France have signed an initial pact to strengthen cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and quantum technologies, the science ministry said Wednesday.

The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) took place Tuesday (French time) on the sidelines of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to France this week, according to the ministry.

Under the MOU, the two countries will hold regular meetings on AI and quantum technologies, push for joint research, and cooperate in attracting investment to enter each other's markets.

Science and ICT Minister Bae Kyung-hoon (2nd from L) and French Minister of the Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty Roland Lescure (R) pose for a photo after exchanging a memorandum of understanding on cooperation at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Sept. 8, 2026. (Yonhap)