South Korea, Germany Deepen Defense Ties Amid Russia-North Korea Pact

South Korea and Germany have agreed to strengthen defense and security cooperation amid growing concerns over military ties between Russia and North Korea.

The agreement was reached during talks between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Seoul on October 29.

The two leaders announced an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, pledging closer military exchanges, training cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Both countries also agreed to work toward concluding an agreement on the protection of classified military information, which would provide a framework for deeper defense cooperation.

Lee said South Korean defense companies were interested in long-term partnerships with German firms, including joint ventures and joint development projects.

Merz warned that North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine demonstrated the growing connection between European and Asian security.

According to South Korean intelligence assessments, North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops to support Russia since 2024, alongside weapons supplies.

The two governments also committed to expanding cooperation on cybersecurity and maintaining regular consultations between their defense ministries.

The agreement comes as Seoul and Berlin seek closer security coordination amid concerns over Russia-North Korea military cooperation and regional instability.