(LEAD) S. Korea, Germany heighten ties, boost defense cooperation

What happened: South Korea and Germany agreed at a Seoul summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chancellor Friedrich Merz to upgrade ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, deepening security, defense, and technology cooperation. Key numbers: Summit held Oct. Why it matters: The joint statement commits both sides to regular military exchanges, defense ministry Security Policy Staff Talks, and a classified military information agreement, while Merz said South Korean and European security are interconnected.

South Korea and Germany agreed at a Seoul summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chancellor Friedrich Merz to upgrade ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, deepening security, defense, and technology cooperation.

The joint statement commits both sides to regular military exchanges, defense ministry Security Policy Staff Talks, and a classified military information agreement, while Merz said South Korean and European security are interconnected.