The prime ministers of Korea and France agreed to enhance the bilateral partnership in trade, investment and high-tech businesses on Thursday.

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited Seoul as part of an Asian tour and met with President Park Geun-Hye and his counterpart Chung Hong-won.

Jung and Ayrault promised to harness the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement to boost economic ties and further cooperate in the future growth sectors of information technology, robotics, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Ayrault expressed hopes that Korean companies would expand investments in France, promising to improve visa and business conditions, Chung’s office said.

They also confirmed the two countries will make joint efforts to solve global issues such as climate change and cyber security at international arenas of the G20 and the U.N. Security Council.

Jung appreciated France’s consistent support for South Korea’s policy on North Korea.

Later in the day, Park expressed gratitude for France’s participation in the 1950-53 Korean War.

Ayrault delivered a speech at a meeting with Korean and French businessmen.

He was accompanied by four ministers, including Fleur Pellerin, the Korean-born minister for small and medium enterprises.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)