Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

20th Asian Security Conference features Korea-Germany Defense Ministers’ Meeting

On the afternoon of June 4 (Sunday), Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup had a bilateral meeting with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, at the 20th Asian Security Conference, also known as Shangri-La Dialogue, in Singapore. They discussed ways to strengthen bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation.
* This was their first meeting in two years, with the previous one taking place in May 2021.

The two ministers celebrated the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany and assessed that both nations have long maintained a cooperative relationship as traditional allies, and agreed to continue strengthening defense partnership to maintain the international order based on rules as countries sharing values.

They noted that naval cooperation between the two countries is actively underway, and agreed to continue exchanges and collaboration in the military sector with mutual port calls of navies in the second half of this year, and participation in multinational exercises.

Minister Lee explained the latest security situation on the Korea Peninsula, emphasizing North Korea’s advanced nuclear and missile capabilities. He expressed appreciation for Germany’s efforts and its endorsement of Korea’s policy towards North Korea. This includes participation in international collaboration to implement UN Security Council’s sanctions resolutions on North Korea. Minister Lee asked for Germany’s continued support.