Korea, Germany forge ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ as global risks mount

What happened: South Korea and Germany agreed to an "enhanced strategic partnership" in a joint statement after a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Seoul, covering defense, security, advanced industries and future growth sectors. Why it matters: The two sides pledged to swiftly conclude an Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information and to deepen defense industry ties, while Lee sought German support for equal treatment of South Korean firms under the EU's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act.

South Korea and Germany agreed to an "enhanced strategic partnership" in a joint statement after a summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Seoul, covering defense, security, advanced industries and future growth sectors.

The two sides pledged to swiftly conclude an Agreement on the Protection of Classified Military Information and to deepen defense industry ties, while Lee sought German support for equal treatment of South Korean firms under the EU's proposed Industrial Accelerator Act.