Korea, Germany Establish 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership'... Expand Cooperation in Advanced Industries and Defense Industry

President Lee Jaemyung Holds Summit with German Chancellor Merz at the Blue House

Joint Press Statement Issued; Joint Statement Adopted

Framework for Economic and High-Tech Cooperation Established

Cooperation on AI, Semiconductors and Critical Mineral Supply Chains

Moves Swiftly to Pursue Military Information Security Agreement

Seeks Germany's Support on EU Industrial Acceleration Act

President Lee Jaemyung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed on the 29th to upgrade bilateral ties to an “enhanced strategic partnership.” The two countries also agreed to establish a new framework for cooperation in economic and high-tech fields, and to expand cooperation in advanced industries, including semiconductors, batteries and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as in critical mineral supply chains. In defense and the defense industry, they agreed to pursue a military information security agreement and lay the groundwork for long-term cooperation, including joint development and joint investment.

Following a summit with Chancellor Merz at the Blue House on the 29th, President Lee announced the agreements in a joint press statement. The two leaders also adopted a joint statement outlining ways to expand cooperation across a wide range of areas, including politics, security, culture and people-to-people exchanges. “We agreed to establish an ‘enhanced strategic partnership’ between our two countries based on deep trust and cooperation,” President Lee said. “Today’s summit will be recorded as an important milestone that opens a new future for Korea-Germany relations.”

Beyond Trade, Cooperation in Advanced Industries... Coordination on EU Regulations

President Lee Jaemyung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz deliver a joint press statement at the Blue House on the 29th. 2026.10.29 Yonhap News Agency

Economic and industrial cooperation was the main focus of the summit. The two countries agreed to step up joint research, identify industrial projects and advance cooperation on technology and standards through an “Economic and High-Tech Partnership Framework.” They will pursue joint research and technological innovation not only in established industries such as automobiles, batteries and semiconductors, but also in future growth sectors such as AI, quantum technology, biotechnology and space.

In particular, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and energy security to jointly address uncertainty in global supply chains. Their aim is to combine the industrial strengths of the two countries and make economic security cooperation more effective amid a global reshaping of supply chains and intensifying competition in advanced technologies.

Responses to changes in the European Union’s (EU) industrial policy were also a key agenda item. Regarding the EU’s proposed “Industrial Acceleration Act,” President Lee asked Germany to provide support and attention to ensure that Korean companies receive treatment equal to that of companies within the EU. The goal is to secure Germany’s cooperation so that Korean companies are not disadvantaged in the European market. In the energy sector, the two countries agreed to renew a “Joint Statement of Intent on an Energy Partnership” and expand policy and technology exchanges in renewable energy and power grids. They plan to support the energy transition and ensure a stable supply of clean energy through joint research between companies and research institutions.

The two countries also signed a protocol amending the Korea-Germany Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. They plan to reduce tax-related uncertainty for companies and make the investment environment more transparent and predictable. “The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK), a major event for the German business community that opened in Seoul, is also expected to provide an opportunity to expand economic cooperation between our two countries,” President Lee said. “I hope the visit by leading German businesspeople will create new opportunities for investment and cooperation.”

Pursuing Military Information Security Agreement... Exploring Joint Defense Development

President Lee Jaemyung speaks during a summit with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Cheong Wa Dae on October 29, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

In defense and security, the two countries agreed to strengthen the institutional foundations for cooperation. They will expand strategic communications between their defense authorities and move swiftly to conclude a military information security agreement. The aim is to broaden the scope of security cooperation by establishing an institutional basis for exchanging military information.

In the defense industry, the two countries also agreed to explore opportunities for long-term industrial cooperation, including joint investment and development, going beyond straightforward arms sales. “Korean defense companies are deeply interested in building long-term partnerships with Germany, Europe’s largest economy,” President Lee said. “Building on the outstanding defense technologies and industrial capabilities of both countries, we will actively seek opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between our defense companies.”

The two countries also shared the view that security in Northeast Asia and Europe is closely connected. Germany, which has experienced division and reunification, expressed support for the South Korean government’s efforts to resume dialogue on the Korean Peninsula and establish a peace regime. The two leaders also exchanged views on major international issues, including the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, maintaining the free-trade order and addressing the climate crisis. They agreed to strengthen strategic coordination to promote peace and stability in the international community.

60th Anniversary of Korean Workers' Dispatch to Germany... Agreement to Expand People-to-People Exchanges

South Korean President Lee Jaemyung holds an expanded summit meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at Cheong Wa Dae on October 29, 2026. Yonhap News Agency.

The two leaders also agreed to expand exchanges between their peoples. This year marks the 60th anniversary of Korean nurses being dispatched to Germany. The leaders praised the dedication of Korean miners and nurses sent to Germany, noting that their contributions helped lay the foundation for the economic development and friendly ties between the two countries. Building on this legacy, they agreed to expand cooperation in education and culture and promote exchanges among future generations. President Lee asked Chancellor Merz to look into shortening the time required to issue visas and residence permits to make it easier for Korean citizens and businesspeople to visit and stay in Germany.

Chancellor Merz’s visit to South Korea is his first since taking office and the first bilateral visit by a German chancellor in three years. The two leaders met again about four months after their previous meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France last June. “I will work closely with Chancellor Merz and do my utmost to faithfully implement today’s agreements and deliver tangible results that people in both countries can feel,” President Lee said.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.