Korea-Germany Summit…Strengthening Supply Chain Cooperation in Semiconductors, Batteries, and AI

President Lee Jae-myung held a summit on the afternoon of the 29th at the Blue House with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who made an official state visit, and agreed to elevate bilateral relations to an 'enhanced strategic partnership' for the first time since establishing diplomatic relations in 1883.

The two leaders adopted a joint statement immediately following the summit that addressed strengthened cooperation across all sectors including politics and security, economy and cutting-edge industries, and culture and people-to-people exchange. Chancellor Merz's visit, his first since taking office, was made on the occasion of attending the 'Asia-Pacific Business Conference (APK)' held in Seoul.

■ Strengthening semiconductors, AI, and energy partnerships…Discussing EU regulatory issues

In the economic sector, the two countries signed a <Joint Statement on the Economic and High-Tech Partnership Framework> and agreed to substantially expand supply chain diversification for core strategic industries including semiconductors, batteries, and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as cooperation on critical minerals and energy security.

Additionally, they updated the <Joint Statement on Establishing a Korea-Germany Energy Partnership> to strengthen coordination in renewable energy and power grid sectors, and signed a <Protocol to Amend the Korea-Germany Double Taxation Prevention Agreement> to improve the investment environment.

President Lee requested that "Germany support Korea, as a key FTA partner of the EU, to receive equal treatment with EU member states," regarding the EU's push for the 'Industry Accelerated Act,' and Chancellor Merz responded that "we will carefully examine Korea's request."

■ Institutionalizing defense and defense industry cooperation…Coordination on Korean Peninsula security and international issues

In the security sector, the two countries decided to expedite the conclusion of the <Military Secret Information Protection Agreement> to establish a foundation for strategic communication between defense authorities. They also reached consensus on exploring mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities between defense companies of both nations and expanding substantive defense cooperation.

The two leaders shared the view that security on the Korean Peninsula and Europe are interconnected, and agreed to maintain close communication on international issues including the Ukraine situation. Chancellor Merz expressed his support for our government's efforts to establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

The two leaders also assessed that the dedication of nurses and miners, including the Pardok nurses marking their 60th anniversary this year, has contributed to promoting friendship between the two countries, and agreed to expand exchanges for future generations. Following the summit, Chancellor Merz invited President Lee to visit Berlin in the fall of next year, coinciding with attendance at the Berlin Digital Summit, and President Lee confirmed he would visit at an appropriate time.