President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), at the president's office in Yongsan, Seoul. The meeting aimed to express gratitude for the IEA's support of Seoul's Carbon-Free Energy (CFE) initiative, introduced by Yoon during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly in September. Yoon acknowledged Birol's efforts in promoting the use of clean energy to address global challenges such as abnormal weather conditions and energy security crises. In recognition of Birol's contributions, President Yoon awarded him the Gwanghwa Medal, the highest distinction in the Order of Diplomatic Service Merit, and proposed further collaboration in developing and promoting clean energy technologies, particularly to benefit developing countries. Birol praised the CFE initiative, highlighting its demonstration of Seoul's leadership in ensuring safe, sustainable, and affordable energy, which aligns with the IEA's mission. He also emphasized the growing importance of nuclear energy globally and commended South Korea's innovative advancements in this area. The meeting aimed to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and the IEA, with a focus on setting a positive example for developing countries to enhance their manufacturing competitiveness.