Lee: “Concrete results expected in security, defense and more” ... Germany’s Merz: “Invitation to Berlin next year”

[Financial News] At a summit with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the 29th, President Lee Jae-myung said the two countries had agreed “to establish an enhanced strategic partnership,” expressing hope for expanded cooperation in areas including security, the defense industry and advanced technology.
In opening remarks at the meeting held at the main building of Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee said, “I hope today’s meeting will be a meaningful occasion to achieve concrete results in various areas, including security, the defense industry, advanced science and technology, economic security and energy, and to pool our wisdom for peace and prosperity in the international community.”
President Lee said, “I remember having meaningful conversations with you about bilateral relations and international affairs when we met at last year’s G20 Summit and this year’s G7 Summit.” He emphasized, “Now, as uncertainty in international affairs grows, cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Germany, which share common values, is more important than ever.”
He added, “Since establishing diplomatic relations, our two countries have steadily developed friendly and cooperative ties for more than 140 years.” He described them as “key partners in building stable supply chains and securing new growth engines, as both are global manufacturing powerhouses.”
Chancellor Merz also expressed hope for an upgrade in relations between the two countries. “I think cooperation between our two countries has become more important than ever, not only economically but also politically,” he said. “Now we want to take it to a new level. That is exactly what it means to further elevate our strategic partnership.”
He also invited President Lee to visit Germany. Chancellor Merz said, “I invite (President Lee) to come to Germany,” adding, “I would like to invite you to the digital summit next year.” He continued, “It would be very meaningful if you could come to Germany in person and hold that digital summit together.”
Chancellor Merz said the large economic delegation accompanying him to South Korea “clearly shows the interest they have in the Korean economy.” He said he was scheduled to declare open the Asia-Pacific Business Conference taking place the following day, and expected it to strengthen and give concrete form to cooperation between companies in the two countries.
He added, “This will be a good opportunity to further strengthen our cooperation in key future technologies, semiconductors, quantum computers and various other fields.”
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