Friedrich Merz and Lee Jae Myung upgraded Germany–South Korea ties at a Seoul summit. They agreed to deepen security and defence industry cooperation, including work toward an agreement protecting classified military information. Advanced technology and energy partnerships also featured in talks linking the security of Europe and Northeast Asia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced an enhanced strategic partnership after talks in Seoul on Thursday. The leaders agreed to deepen security and defence industry cooperation alongside economic and advanced technology ties. Lee said the countries would strengthen exchanges between defence authorities and explore mutually beneficial partnerships between their defence companies.[1], [2]
Lee said work would proceed toward an agreement protecting classified military information. He also described South Korean companies’ interest in long-term partnerships with Germany, including joint ventures and joint development. Both leaders said European and Northeast Asian security were interconnected. Merz illustrated that position by referring to North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine and weapons supplied by Moscow to Pyongyang.[1]
The summit announced a new economic and advanced technology cooperation framework covering sectors including automobiles, batteries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and quantum technology. A renewed energy partnership memorandum envisages cooperation on renewable energy and electricity grids. Lee asked Germany to speed up visas and residence permits for South Koreans. Merz said Lee had accepted his invitation to the following year’s digital summit in Berlin.[1]
