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(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Ji Seo Jeong – President Lee Jae-myung, currently visiting South Africa to attend the G20 Summit, met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the 22nd (local time) and inquired about Germany’s experience and expertise in reunification.
During the opening remarks of the summit, President Lee stated, “South Korea has much to learn from Germany’s experience,” emphasizing, “We must learn how Germany overcame division and achieved reunification, so that South Korea can follow a similar path.”
He added with a smile, “If you have any special know-how that you’ve kept secret, please do share it.”
Chancellor Merz responded with a laugh, saying, “There is no secret know-how.”
Chancellor Merz also expressed interest in the geopolitical situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula. “We are very interested in the situation on the Korean Peninsula and its surroundings. There is much we are curious about regarding North Korea,” he said. “We are also interested in South Korea’s perception of China, as we are currently deliberating our own strategy toward China.”
According to the presidential office, during the summit, President Lee explained the South Korean government’s efforts to ease tensions and build peace on the Korean Peninsula, and requested Germany’s support, given its experience in overcoming division and achieving reunification.
The two leaders also agreed to strengthen bilateral relations in areas of mutual interest, such as energy and critical minerals.
President Lee highlighted that approximately 850 South Korean companies are operating in Germany, noting, “Germany serves as a key base for entering Europe and is South Korea’s largest trading partner in the region, maintaining a steady cooperative relationship,” according to the presidential office.
President Lee also mentioned that European countries are enhancing their defense capabilities, and asked Chancellor Merz to pay attention to deepening cooperation between German and South Korean defense companies, given Germany’s status as a ‘defense powerhouse.’
The two leaders agreed to discuss the development of bilateral relations in greater depth through reciprocal visits next year.
jsjeong@yna.co.kr
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