Yoon Holds Korea-Germany Summit with Chancellor Scholz... "Expecting Future-Oriented Cooperation and Strengthened Solidarity"

140th Anniversary of Korea-Germany Diplomatic Relations... Sharing Experiences of War, Division, and Economic Development
Germany's Era Transition and Korea's Role as a Global Hub Cooperation
Yoon and Scholz Head to Korea Immediately After G7 Summit Schedule

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 21st regarding the relationship between Korea and Germany, which marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, "I hope that Korea and Germany will further expand their mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation and strengthen solidarity for peace and prosperity in Europe and Asia."

In his opening remarks at the Korea-Germany summit held at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 21st with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President Yoon said, "The Korean government intends to closely align with the Chancellor's vision for a new era as we realize the concept of a global pivotal state."

President Yoon first expressed, "I sincerely welcome Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Korea. It is especially meaningful that you are visiting in the year marking the 140th anniversary of exchanges between Korea and Germany and the 60th anniversary of Korean workers' dispatch to Germany," highlighting the significance of bilateral relations by saying, "Over 140 years of long-standing exchanges, Korea and Germany have developed as trusted partners cooperating in all areas including government, economy, society, and culture."

He mentioned the commonalities of the two countries in the 20th century, such as experiencing war and division and achieving the miracles of the Rhine and Han Rivers, and reaffirmed their solidarity in response to the recent global complex crises.

President Yoon stated, "Despite the pain of war and division in the 20th century, both countries achieved remarkable economic development through the Miracle of the Rhine and the Miracle on the Han River, supporting each other in the process. In the face of the current global complex crisis, which involves war, energy security and supply chain instability, and authoritarian challenges to democracy, solidarity and cooperation with countries that uphold freedom as a universal value are extremely urgent."

He continued, "Chancellor Scholz declared a new era thesis in his parliamentary speech shortly after the outbreak of the Ukraine war last year," adding, "Through this, the Chancellor stated that the world before and after the Ukraine war cannot be the same, presenting the path for Germany and Europe to move forward and emphasizing the need for innovative thinking in a changing era," reiterating the necessity of Korea-Germany cooperation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chancellor Scholz also emphasized the significance of Korea-Germany cooperation by referring to its historical flow. He said, "This year marks the 140th anniversary of Korea-Germany diplomatic relations, and the two countries have especially close ties in many areas. We are well aware of our close cooperation in various sectors," adding, "Looking at the cooperation over the past few years, it has been close not only in economic exchanges but also in human exchanges. Many Koreans have come to Germany, and especially the Korean nurses dispatched to Germany made our economic growth possible."

He continued, "The recent economic growth achieved by Korea has deeply impressed us. Therefore, I am very proud of the Republic of Korea's development, and I am confident that based on this, bilateral relations can develop closely."

Regarding the divided situation on the Korean Peninsula, he said, "I also had the chance to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) this time and witnessed firsthand what it means to be a situation that seriously threatens peace and security," adding, "I think our bilateral relations should develop even more closely because of the experience of division."

Furthermore, he expressed hope, saying, "I hope that Korea can achieve, based on negotiations and many foundations, the fortune that Germany has already attained in this matter."

Earlier, President Yoon and Chancellor Scholz moved directly to Korea after attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, from the 19th to the 21st.

Immediately upon arrival in Korea, Chancellor Scholz visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). After the summit, President Yoon and Chancellor Scholz are scheduled to hold a joint press conference and have a dinner with their spouses. This visit marks the first time in 13 years that a German Chancellor has visited Korea since former Chancellor Angela Merkel came for the G20 summit in 2010.

[Image source=Yonhap News]