President Lee Jae-myung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are holding a summit on the 22nd (local time) at the Nasrec Expo Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
President Lee Jaemyung held a summit with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the 22nd (local time) in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the G20 summit was taking place.
In his opening remarks, President Lee stated, "There is much that Korea can learn from Germany's experience," and added, "We want to learn how Germany overcame division and achieved unification, and Korea must also follow that path."
He further remarked, "If there are any special know-how or secrets you have kept hidden, please do let us know."
In response, Chancellor Merz replied with a smile, "There are no secret know-hows." He also said, "I am very interested in the situation on the Korean Peninsula and its surroundings," and added, "I have many questions about North Korea as well."
He continued, "I am also curious about Korea's perception of China. We are also considering our own strategy toward China."
According to the presidential office, even during the closed-door meeting, President Lee explained the Korean government's efforts to ease tensions and build peace on the Korean Peninsula, and requested Germany's support, given its own experience of overcoming division and achieving unification.
The two leaders also discussed economic and defense industry cooperation. They agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations, focusing on areas of mutual interest such as energy and critical mineral cooperation.
Additionally, President Lee noted that Germany, as a major defense industry power, is playing an important role as Europe seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities. He also asked Chancellor Merz to pay attention to the fact that Korean defense companies are very interested in deepening cooperation with Germany.
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