South Korea and Germany Establish Enhanced Strategic Partnership

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz established an "enhanced strategic partnership" on October 29, agreeing to expand cooperation in high-tech industries such as semiconductors, batteries, and artificial intelligence, as well as in defense and energy sectors. During an official dinner, both leaders emphasized the importance of combining the technological and industrial capabilities of their countries and increasing exchanges between businesses.

Chief Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong stated in a written briefing that the two leaders adopted a joint statement to deepen cooperation across various fields, including politics, security, economy, high-tech industries, culture, and human exchanges. This marks the first establishment of an "enhanced strategic partnership" since diplomatic ties were established in 1883.

President Lee requested Germany's support to ensure that South Korea receives equal treatment under the European Union's proposed "Industrial Acceleration Act." Chancellor Merz responded that he would carefully consider the request.

The two leaders agreed to leverage their complementary industrial and technological capabilities to enhance competitiveness in key high-tech industries and expand investment and business opportunities. They also decided to increase joint research and researcher exchanges in future strategic technology fields.

Through a joint letter of intent on the economic and high-tech partnership framework, they agreed to enhance cooperation in diversifying supply chains and strengthening resilience, as well as in critical minerals and energy security. They evaluated the renewal of the energy partnership letter of intent to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy and power grids, and they discussed improving the investment and economic cooperation environment through the signing of a protocol to amend the double taxation avoidance agreement.

In the defense and security sector, they agreed to strengthen strategic communication between defense authorities and to expedite the conclusion of a military secret information protection agreement. They also expressed their commitment to discovering mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities between defense companies and expanding practical defense industry collaboration.

Both leaders acknowledged the direct connection between security in the Korean Peninsula and Europe and agreed to enhance communication regarding the situations in the Korean Peninsula and Ukraine. President Lee expressed gratitude for Germany's support for South Korea's efforts to establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula and to resume dialogue.

In response to Chancellor Merz's invitation to visit Germany next year, President Lee stated, "I will visit at an appropriate time." Chancellor Merz noted that it would be meaningful if they could participate together in the digital summit to be held in Berlin next fall.

During the official dinner held at the Blue House, President Lee highlighted the complementarity of Germany and South Korea by stating, "Germany is precise. Korea is fast." He explained that in Germany, there is a saying that one must create a perfect plan before starting work, while in Korea, plans are refined as work begins. He emphasized that combining Germany's precision with Korea's dynamism could create limitless synergies for cooperation.

He expressed hope that the business leaders from both countries present at the dinner would play a key role in expanding cooperation from high-tech industries like AI and semiconductors to security, defense, supply chains, and science and technology. President Lee proposed a toast in German, saying, "Zum Wohl," for the friendship between Korea and Germany and the shared prosperity of both nations.

Chancellor Merz responded by mentioning the increasing influence of great power politics in the international situation and emphasized the need to build a tighter network of partnership. He identified South Korea as one of the closest partners in the region and expressed a commitment to innovate together in the fields of semiconductors, quantum computing, and industrial AI.

He also referenced their shared experience of division, expressing hope that one day they could share a history of unification. He acknowledged the 60th anniversary of the agreement that enabled the dispatch of Korean nurses to Germany, noting that these nurses and miners laid the foundation for Germany's success and the human exchanges between the two countries.

The dinner was attended by prominent business leaders from both countries, including Yoon Jin-sik, chairman of the Korea International Trade Association; Chung Eui-sun, chairman of Hyundai Motor; Jeong In-hwa, chairman of POSCO; Cho Hyun-joon, chairman of Hyosung; and Chung Mong-won, chairman of HL Group.