Johannesburg: President Lee Jae Myung has reached out to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, requesting insights into Germany's reunification experience, during their meeting at the Group of 20 summit in South Africa. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the summit, where Lee expressed a keen interest in learning from Germany's historical journey of overcoming division.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee emphasized the significance of Germany's reunification process, highlighting its potential lessons for South Korea as his administration aims to renew engagement with North Korea and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Despite Seoul's continued overtures for dialogue, Pyongyang has remained unresponsive. "There is much for the Republic of Korea to learn from Germany's experience," Lee stated, underscoring the importance of understanding the steps Germany took towards reunification.

In a light-hearted exchange, Lee inquired if Germany possessed any "secret know-how" on reunification, to which Chancellor Merz responded that no such secret exists. However, Merz reaffirmed the robust bilateral relationship between South Korea and Germany, expressing optimism for further cooperation between the two nations.

Chancellor Merz also conveyed his interest in the security dynamics on the Korean Peninsula and sought South Korea's perspective on China, as Germany deliberates its strategic approach towards the Asian superpower. The discussions between the leaders extended to economic collaboration, with agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, critical minerals, and other sectors.

President Lee acknowledged Germany's pivotal role in Europe's recent efforts to strengthen defense industry capabilities and urged Chancellor Merz to consider Korean defense contractors eager to forge deeper partnerships with German firms. Lee also reiterated South Korea's commitment to fostering peace and reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula, seeking Germany's ongoing support and cooperation by sharing its reunification experiences.

The meeting marked the first in-person dialogue between the two leaders, who agreed to continue their discussions through reciprocal visits in the coming year.