According to a Reuters report, Seoul is the capital city of South Korea. During a meeting in Seoul, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that an agreement would soon be signed between South Korea and Germany to enhance defence cooperation by safeguarding military secrets. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was present at the meeting.
During a briefing, Yoon stated that the military information agreement would facilitate the efficient operation of the defence industry supply chain, particularly in light of the current global economic and political instability.
South Korea has been actively seeking to broaden its defence industry in response to the growing demand for military equipment, driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and other global tensions. In this regard, the country has recently negotiated with Canada to establish an information-sharing agreement. However, it is worth noting that South Korea has not yet agreed to supply weapons to Kyiv.
According to Yoon, the recognition of freedom as a universal value holds significant importance in light of the current challenges posed by authoritarianism, unstable global supply chains, and warfare, all of which threaten the stability of democracy.
In his opening remarks during the meeting with Scholz, Yoon expressed his anticipation for expanding reciprocal and future-oriented cooperation between South Korea and Germany. He also emphasized the need to strengthen solidarity for the peace and prosperity of both Europe and Asia.
The two leaders engaged in a discussion regarding the enhancement of collaboration in the field of semiconductor production, along with other pertinent domains.
During his visit to South Korea after the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima, Japan, Scholz remarked that North Korea’s missile tests are Indi-Indi catestently precarious on the Korean peninsula.
During a visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates the Koreas, he expressed his concern by stating that this threatens peace and security in the region. This statement was made at a military base.
The speaker asserted that while Germany has successfully overcome its history as a divided nation, the Korean peninsula continues to experience division.
Scholz and Yoon departed from Japan on Sunday after participating in the G7 summit. The Republic of South Korea has been invited to participate in the proceedings as an observer.
The leaders of the G7 have conveyed their unwavering support for Ukraine and have articulated a collective strategy towards China aimed at mitigating risks rather than severing economic ties with the nation, which is widely regarded as the world’s manufacturing hub.
During his attendance at the G7 summit, Yoon had the opportunity to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the first time. Yoon intended to furnish mine-removing equipment and ambulances while pledging to support Ukraine.
On Wednesday, South Korea agreed with Ukraine to provide a financial aid package worth $130 million. This decision was made following a request for military assistance made by the first lady of Ukraine during her visit to the war-torn country.
South Korea, a significant manufacturer of artillery shells, has officially stated that it is not supplying Ukraine with lethal weaponry due to its diplomatic ties with Russia.