(KPL/Yonhap) Republic of Korea and France on Friday vowed to expand cooperation in strategic science sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), while reaffirming their status as key partners in cutting-edge technology research, the science ministry said.

Science Minister Bae Kyung-hoon and his French counterpart, Philippe Baptiste, held related discussions during a joint committee meeting on science and technology in Seoul on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Macron arrived in Seoul on Thursday for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to South Korea since taking office in 2017. The trip coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

During the joint committee meeting, Seoul and Paris reaffirmed that the two countries stand as "key partners" in cutting-edge strategic technologies, including AI and quantum computing.

Republic of Korea's major institutions, including the Institute for Basic Science and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), signed a memorandum of understanding with the French National Centre for Scientific Research, commonly known as CNRS, to promote bilateral exchanges.

The two countries also shared strategies on fostering the AI industry, with Republic of Korea's AI Safety Institute suggesting establishing a communication channel with France's National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology.

"The latest joint committee meeting, held on the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and during the French president's visit to South Korea, has served as an opportunity to further elevate bilateral science and technology cooperation," Bae Kyung-hoon said.

" Republic of Korea will work closely with France in the era of strategic science and technology, focusing on AI and quantum computing, to take leadership in the global competition," Bae added.

KPL