The South Korean government has agreed to establish a strengthened strategic partnership with Germany, significantly expanding cooperation in security, defense, semiconductors, and advanced industries.
During a summit on October 29, President Lee Jae-myung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement outlining these developments. The leaders agreed to enhance bilateral and multilateral responses to increasing global risks and challenges.
In the security sector, the two nations will pursue regular military exchanges and training cooperation while strengthening information sharing. They reaffirmed their commitment to continue holding defense policy working meetings to discuss security policy and defense industry cooperation, and they will explore additional mutually beneficial collaboration opportunities between defense companies.
Both countries also expressed a joint stance on ensuring the safety of maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. They stated that disruptions to maritime traffic through force, threats, or the imposition of illegal tolls and conditions are unacceptable actions that threaten global security and prosperity.
In the economic and technology sectors, they reached a consensus to deepen cooperation through an upcoming semiconductor ecosystem partnership. This initiative aims to leverage complementary strengths in the semiconductor industry and enhance the resilience of key supply chains.
Based on a joint letter of intent regarding the economic and high-tech partnership framework, the two nations plan to broaden their cooperation to include the automotive, battery, AI, smart manufacturing, and robotics industries. They emphasized the need for transparency, predictability, and non-discriminatory treatment in trade and investment.
In the field of AI, they agreed to collaborate from application to cutting-edge AI development. A new 'AI Transparency Working Group' will be established to discuss AI regulations, transparency requirements, and practical guidelines, in addition to cooperation between the Korea AI Safety Research Institute and the German AI Safety and Security Research Institute.
Notably, three documents were announced during Chancellor Merz's visit: a protocol amending the double taxation agreement, a joint letter of intent for the economic and high-tech partnership framework, and a joint letter of intent for establishing an energy partnership.
The protocol amending the double taxation agreement was signed on October 26. It strengthens regulations to prevent tax avoidance related to fixed establishments and addresses the abuse of the agreement, reflecting international standards to prevent base erosion and profit shifting.
The exchange of the joint letter of intent for the economic and high-tech partnership is scheduled for October 30. This framework aims to expand policy and technology cooperation in trade, industry, and resources, while utilizing bilateral consultative bodies to monitor the implementation of cooperation tasks and identify new challenges.
The joint letter of intent for the energy partnership, also set to be signed on the same day, will update the Korean side's cooperation entity from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy to the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment, and will specify energy cooperation related to AI and data centers. It aims to strengthen implementation systems through regular consultations to support stable supply of clean energy and energy transition, while expanding cooperation between businesses and research institutions.
Additionally, both countries agreed to enhance cultural and human exchanges by supporting Korean and German language education in public schools and promoting youth exchanges. They expressed their intention to evaluate exchanges related to their shared historical experience of national division and to advance relevant dialogues within the Korea-Germany Advisory Committee framework, considering the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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