Key facts
- South Korea and Germany agreed to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
- Cooperation will deepen in security, defense, and future technologies.
- Regular military exchanges and training are planned.
- A bilateral agreement on classified military information protection is being pursued.
- Dialogue on cybersecurity and AI will expand.
- Cooperation in automotive, batteries, industrial AI, and robotics is set to increase.
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Germany agreed Thursday to elevate their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, a move that will significantly intensify cooperation in security, defense, and future technologies. The decision was formalized during a summit in Seoul between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This marks the third meeting between the two leaders. The joint statement highlighted a commitment to deepening security and defense cooperation through regular military exchanges, training, and information sharing, including bilateral Security Policy Staff Talks. Both nations also intend to finalize an agreement on protecting classified military information and explore further defense industry collaboration. The partnership will also focus on expanding dialogue in cybersecurity and addressing the implications of artificial intelligence. On the economic and technological front, the agreement aims to bolster cooperation in trade, industry, innovation, automotive, batteries, industrial AI, and robotics. Both leaders expressed a shared goal of sustainable industrial transformation and securing technological leadership by leveraging their complementary strengths. The two countries also acknowledged their shared experience of national division and committed to further dialogue on Korean Peninsula issues. They reaffirmed their dedication to contributing to regional stability, security, and prosperity, while opposing coercion and destabilizing actions.