S. Korea, Germany heighten ties, boost defense cooperation

What happened: South Korea and Germany agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, deepening cooperation in security, defense, and future technology during a Seoul summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Key numbers: Third bilateral talks between the two leaders; last met at the G7 summit in Why it matters: The joint statement cites rising global risks as the reason for intensified bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with both sides pledging regular military exchanges and work toward a classified military information agreement.

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

The joint statement cites rising global risks as the reason for intensified bilateral and multilateral cooperation, with both sides pledging regular military exchanges and work toward a classified military information agreement.