Chung Dong-young, South Korea's Minister of Unification, met with Bodo Ramelow, Deputy Speaker of the German Bundestag, during his visit to South Korea. The Ministry of Unification announced on June 22 that Chung emphasized the alignment of the government's "peaceful coexistence policy" for the Korean Peninsula with West Germany's "Ostpolitik" and requested Germany's cooperation.
During the meeting, Chung stated, "The peaceful coexistence policy of the Lee government aligns with former West German Chancellor Willy Brandt's 'Ostpolitik.' The experience of Germany, which sought peaceful coexistence and advanced on the path of reconciliation and cooperation through Ostpolitik, is urgently needed on the Korean Peninsula."
Chung expressed respect for the efforts made toward integration between East and West Germany following reunification. He noted, "Unfortunately, it has been 80 years since the South and North were separated, and the divergence has significantly progressed. It is urgent that we meet, engage in dialogue, and cooperate as soon as possible."
Ramelow explained that during Germany's division, the military standoff carried the risk of escalating into accidental conflict. He advised that the limited exchanges and interactions among residents in the border areas between East and West Germany laid the groundwork for reducing estrangement and fostering cooperation.
He also referenced Brandt's policy of "change through rapprochement," expressing hope that all developments on the Korean Peninsula proceed peacefully.
Both sides agreed to work towards developing various cooperative relationships for peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to the Ministry of Unification.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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