Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz accuses North Korea of threatening Europe’s freedom

Merz links security across regions

Speaking after meeting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Seoul, Merz said North Korea’s support for Russia put Europe’s security at risk. He also pointed to Russia supplying weapons to North Korea.

Merz said the relationship showed that Korea’s security affects Europe’s, and that Europe’s security also affects Korea’s. North Korea has expanded military cooperation with Russia since Moscow began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Military support and missile launch

Pyongyang has supplied Moscow with artillery ammunition and missiles. South Korean intelligence services say North Korea sent about 15,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces. In return, Russia provides North Korea with financial support, military technology and security guarantees. Before Merz arrived on Thursday, North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, according to South Korea’s military.

Partnership commitments in Seoul

Lee said Germany and South Korea had pledged cooperation in the economy, energy, security and high-tech industries. The leaders agreed to develop their relationship into an enhanced strategic partnership.

Their plans include closer security ties, joint military exercises and intelligence exchanges. Lee also said he had asked Merz to support South Korea in seeking favorable treatment under the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act.

Merz’s Asia tour continues

Merz said at the start of his South Korea visit that he hoped the country would eventually be unified. The peninsula has been divided along the 38th parallel since the Korean War hostilities ended in 1953.

The chancellor is expected to visit the Demilitarized Zone on Friday to conclude his South Korea trip. His wider Asia tour also includes Singapore and Japan, as Germany looks to reduce its economic dependence on China and broaden its partnerships.