After the Expo Hosting Battle, Yoon Secures 111 MOUs

"Thorough Preparation for Monsoon Damage" Immediately After Returning
Focus on Busan Expo Bid in Paris
MOU Achievements with Economic Delegation in Vietnam

President Yoon Suk-yeol returned to Korea on the 24th after a 4-night, 6-day tour of France and Vietnam. Upon arriving at the airport, President Yoon immediately issued instructions to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming monsoon season.

President Yoon and his wife, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, arrived at Seongnam Airport in the evening on board Air Force One, the presidential aircraft. At the airport, Han Chang-seop, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety; Jang Ho-jin, First Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Kim Ki-hyun, leader of the People Power Party; Yoon Jae-ok, floor leader of the People Power Party; Kim Dae-gi, Chief Secretary; and Lee Jin-bok, Senior Secretary for Political Affairs, came to greet them. In particular, President Yoon asked Vice Minister Han Chang-seop when the monsoon season would begin and urged him to "prepare in advance to minimize damage and ensure thorough readiness."

President Yoon Seok-yeol, who completed visits to France and Vietnam, arrived at Seongnam Seoul Airport on the afternoon of the 24th and is speaking with Han Chang-seop, Vice Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, who came to greet him.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Starting from France on the 19th, President Yoon held a Korea-France summit with President Macron at the ?lys?e Palace in Paris on the 20th. The two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in advanced technology and future strategic industries amid global uncertainty and complex crises. They specifically emphasized the importance of cooperation in future strategic industries such as space and aviation. They also discussed strengthening collaboration in areas including energy, batteries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, nuclear power, space, defense, and aviation.

Following this, President Yoon personally delivered a presentation at the General Assembly of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE). He highlighted Busan's strengths and distinctiveness as the host city for the Expo. On the 21st, he attended the BIE reception to appeal for support. Additionally, President Yoon participated in the Paris Digital Vision Forum and the European regional investment inauguration ceremony.

On the 22nd, he traveled to Vietnam, where he visited Korean language education institutions, attended the Korea-Vietnam Partnership Expo, and participated in the Korea-Vietnam Cultural Exchange Night event. On the 23rd, he held a summit with Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong. Through the summit, the two leaders defined the bilateral relationship as a "precious 30-year friendship" and agreed on the importance of cooperation between the two countries amid the severe international situation and global complex crises.

Sales diplomacy also yielded results. The economic delegation and Vietnamese businesspeople signed 111 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) across various industrial sectors. Following 54 MOUs in trade areas such as defense, consumer goods, healthcare, and food, 28 MOUs related to technological cooperation in electric vehicles and advanced industries, and 29 MOUs for supply chain and future cooperation including critical minerals and greenhouse gas reduction were signed, totaling a record 111 MOUs. In addition, President Yoon spent time with young talents from both Korea and Vietnam. He left them a message saying, "The government of the Republic of Korea and Korean companies will spare no support to help your dreams come true."