German Chancellor Merz: "If Moscow supplies weapons to Pyongyang, it will have an impact on Europe."

“Korean security is intertwined with European security… I want a just and peaceful Europe.”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporters Go Dong-wook and Hwang Yoon-ki = German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on the 29th, "Korea's security is directly intertwined with Europe's security."

Prime Minister Merz said in a joint press release after holding a summit meeting with President Lee Jae-myung at the Blue House that day, saying, "I plan to continue talking about the situation on the Korean Peninsula with President Lee."

He explained, “If North Korean soldiers fight Ukrainian troops in Donbas, it will put Europe’s freedom at risk. Ultimately, if Moscow supplies weapons to Pyongyang, the impact will be felt in Europe.”

He continued, "In a narrowed world, we all want a peaceful Europe where there is just and permanent peace, where the war has ended," and added, "The end of the war will reveal a major change in the security structure of Europe and Asia."

He also said that Korea and Germany are connected through the experience of division, saying, "I know very well how painful it is to live in a divided country. For that reason, I plan to visit the Demilitarized Zone tomorrow."

Prime Minister Merz also emphasized that the two countries must move in step with each other for economic cooperation and technological innovation.

He said, “The free trade agreement (FTA) that Korea and the European Union (EU) first signed 15 years ago has proven to be a truly successful model so far,” and added, “This model has become a precedent and free trade agreements are being concluded around the world.”

In addition, he predicted, “What is important is not only the scale of trade, but also the power of innovation in areas of close cooperation,” and added, “We will create a startup bridge to closely connect Korean and German companies and institutions, and create not only basic research but also marketable products.”