South Korea and Germany Agree to 'Protect Military Secrets of Both Countries'

The President of South Korea said on Sunday during a meeting with the Chancellor of Germany in Seoul that the two countries will soon sign an agreement aimed at protecting military secrets to strengthen defense cooperation. Yoon Suk-yeol, in a press conference alongside Olaf Scholz, stated that this agreement will help 'the harmonious functioning of the supply chain of the defense industries' of both countries amid global economic and political instability. South Korea, which has recently begun discussions about a similar agreement with Canada, is taking steps to develop its defense industries in light of the increasing demand stemming from the war in Ukraine and other global tensions. However, Seoul has so far refrained from providing weapons to Kyiv. Yoon stated that respect for freedom as a global value in the face of authoritarianism that challenges democracy and war is 'very vital.' He expressed hope that from now on, South Korea and Germany will further expand mutual and forward-looking cooperation between the two countries and strengthen solidarity for peace and prosperity in Europe and Asia. Scholz, who traveled to South Korea after attending the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, described North Korea's missile tests as a sign of a 'still dangerous situation' on the Korean Peninsula. After visiting the demilitarized zone that separates the Koreas, he stated that North Korea's missile tests pose 'a threat to peace and security in this region.' He noted that the era of Germany's history as a divided country has ended, but separation on the Korean Peninsula continues. Yoon, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time on the sidelines of the G7 summit, said he intends to provide demining equipment and ambulances to Ukraine and promised to support Ukraine further. South Korea signed an agreement on Wednesday to provide a $130 million aid package to Kyiv, just one day after a military assistance request from the First Lady of Ukraine. Biden unveiled a new $375 million military aid package from the U.S. to Ukraine, while U.S. submarines equipped with nuclear weapons are docking in South Korea. The South Korean President's visit to the U.S. marks the 70th anniversary of Washington and Seoul's relations, and Japan has stated it will shoot down North Korean spy satellites 'if they enter its territory.'