The visit comes at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, who asked Lee during his trip to South Korea in April to co-chair the Lumière Summit, an international film and audiovisual industry gathering in southern France.
Lee is scheduled to attend the summit with Macron in Saint-Paul-de-Vence on Monday before traveling to Paris for a two-day state visit beginning Tuesday.
Following an official welcoming ceremony, Lee will hold a one-on-one luncheon with Macron at the Élysée Palace, followed by an expanded summit involving delegations from both countries.
The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen cooperation in advanced technology sectors including artificial intelligence, space, nuclear energy and biotechnology. Seoul also hopes to expand exchanges involving young people and science and technology, while creating more opportunities for Korean cultural content in the European market.
Lee will also attend a Korea-France business roundtable involving more than 20 companies from the two countries and a state dinner hosted by Macron and his wife.
The trip comes as South Korea and France mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.
His trip is also taking place as search efforts continue in Nepal for nine South Koreans who remain missing following severe flooding.
“I will continue to receive updates while in France and make sure that all necessary measures are taken,” Lee said before his departure, adding that he would also carry out his diplomatic responsibilities “for the national interest and future generations.”
On the final day of his visit Wednesday, Lee is scheduled to meet French National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet and OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. He is also expected to hold a luncheon with members of the Korean community in France.
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