[Korea-Germany Summit Call] President Lee and Chancellor Merz Discuss Strengthening Democratic and Trade-Based Cooperation (July 24, 2025)
[Korea-Germany Summit Call] President Lee and Chancellor Merz Discuss Strengthening Democratic and Trade-Based Cooperation (July 24, 2025)
📞 President Lee Jae-myung holds first phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
On July 24, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea held his first official phone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. This call marked a significant diplomatic milestone, as both countries recently inaugurated new administrations. The dialogue emphasized both symbolic resonance and the commitment to practical cooperation moving forward.
President Lee congratulated Chancellor Merz on his inauguration and reflected on the 140-year history of Korea-Germany relations, dating back to the 1883 Treaty of Amity and Commerce. He emphasized the opportunity for the two new governments to advance bilateral ties through active communication and collaboration based on shared values.
🇰🇷🇩🇪 Shared values: Democracy and free trade
Both leaders affirmed that Korea and Germany share fundamental values such as democracy, human rights, and free trade. Chancellor Merz recognized Korea as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the importance of defending liberal international norms in an era of increasing authoritarian influence and global uncertainty.
President Lee echoed this sentiment, underscoring Korea’s commitment to balanced and pragmatic diplomacy. He emphasized the significance of building strategic partnerships with like-minded democratic nations, particularly Germany, as a key European actor in global governance.
📈 Expanding economic cooperation amid global uncertainty
Amid ongoing global economic instability, both leaders acknowledged the importance of continuing and expanding economic cooperation. Korea’s strengths in semiconductors, battery technology, and hydrogen energy align well with Germany’s expertise in mechanical engineering, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.
President Lee noted that economic collaboration should go beyond trade to include joint R&D, standard-setting in emerging industries, and cooperation on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) frameworks. Germany, as the economic powerhouse of the EU, offers Korea a valuable partner in addressing digital transformation, climate change, and energy security at a strategic level.
👤 Understanding Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Chancellor Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), succeeded Olaf Scholz and ushered in a center-right government focused on market liberalism, strong NATO ties, and European integration. His political philosophy aligns in many ways with President Lee’s pragmatism, creating room for constructive bilateral relations based on mutual respect and common goals.
The two leaders’ first exchange sets the stage for broader collaboration, not only in trade and diplomacy but in defense, climate, and technological innovation—particularly through a values-based international framework.
🤝 Toward a future summit: Bilateral and multilateral opportunities
President Lee and Chancellor Merz expressed mutual hopes to meet in person soon, utilizing global platforms such as the United Nations General Assembly, the G20 Summit, and the World Economic Forum. A future Korea-Germany summit would further solidify their shared strategic vision and elevate cooperation across Asia and Europe.
This diplomatic engagement reflects President Lee’s foreign policy philosophy: “A Strong Nation with Warm Diplomacy.” The call also signals Korea’s growing leadership role among democratic nations in shaping a just and sustainable global order.
📄 Official Briefing (English Summary)
On July 24, 2025, President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea held his first phone call with Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the Federal Republic of Germany following both leaders' inaugurations. President Lee expressed gratitude for Chancellor Merz’s congratulations and reflected on the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Korea and Germany, spanning over 140 years. He emphasized the potential for deeper cooperation between the two newly elected governments through open dialogue and mutual respect. Chancellor Merz reaffirmed Germany’s view of Korea as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted shared values including democracy, human rights, and free trade. The two leaders recognized the importance of maintaining and strengthening economic cooperation in times of global uncertainty and pledged to explore new areas of practical partnership. They concluded by expressing their mutual hope to meet in person at upcoming international events. — Office of the President, Republic of Korea
📎 Learn More
This article is based on the official July 24, 2025 briefing released by the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea.
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