Merz congratulates the new South Korean president: A strong partnership!

Merz congratulates the new South Korean president: A strong partnership!

Today, Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated the new President of the Republic of Korea, Lee Jae-myung, on his inauguration. In a public letter underlining the good relationship between Germany and South Korea, Merz highlighted the long and close partnership between the two countries. He emphasized common values ​​such as democracy, human rights, multilateralism and free world trade. Merz wishes Lee not only strength and success, but also luck in his responsible task.

Loud Times Now News This isn't the first time Lee Jae-myung has been in the headlines. In January 2024, the opposition politician was attacked during a visit to Busan. The attacker, a man in his 50s or 60s, approached Lee under the pretense of wanting an autograph and stabbed him in the neck. Fortunately, Lee remained conscious after the attack and was immediately taken to a hospital. The injury, a 1cm-long cut, sparked heated debates about security and democracy in South Korea.

Imaginative partnerships

Merz's congratulations come at a time when diplomatic relations between Germany and South Korea have turned 140 years old. The motto of the celebrations was: “A friendship that connects and inspires”. Around 36,000 people with Korean citizenship live in Germany, many of whom came as guest workers, especially as miners and nurses, and made a significant contribution to the reconstruction of both countries the Foreign Office.

The two countries not only share a deep historical connection, but also common foreign policy concerns. These include the commitment to democracy and human rights, multilateralism as well as strengthening the global economy and international peacekeeping. What is particularly noteworthy is that South Korea is now Germany's third most important trading partner in Asia, right after China and Japan. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume was around 32.9 billion euros.

Strengthen cultural connections

There are also exciting developments in cultural exchange. German classical music and K-pop are very popular in both countries. The countries also work intensively together to promote technical innovations. Around 560 German companies employ around 100,000 people in South Korea, which further strengthens mutual economic ties.

Considering all of these factors, one thing is certain: the relationship between Germany and the Republic of Korea is not only strong, but has the potential to continue to grow. Merz's message to Lee Jae-myung is not just a congratulation - it is also a promise for the future.