1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong met with the new Federal Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany, Annalena Baerbock, on the morning of December 12 (UK time) on the occasion of the Group of Seven (G7) Foreign and Development Ministers’ Meeting in Liverpool and exchanged views on bilateral relations, cooperation on the international stage including the G7, and Korean Peninsula issues.

2. Foreign Minister Chung expressed his congratulations on the inauguration of both the new government in Germany and Foreign Minister Baerbock on December 8, and he noted with appreciation that Korea and Germany have closely cooperated while maintaining amicable relations. Foreign Minister Baerbock mentioned that Germany places a high value on collaboration with Korea as a key partner in Asia. She hoped for continuous cooperation in various fields including response to climate change and COVID-19 as well as post-pandemic recovery.

° The two Foreign Ministers looked forward to further activating high-level discussions, such as at the Foreign Ministerial Strategic Dialogue, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation not only in political and economic affairs but also on the international stage during the tenure of the newly inaugurated German government.

3. The two Foreign Ministers noted with appreciation that the two countries have worked closely together in the international arena, and agreed to enhance dialogue and exchanges at the international level including the G7 and the UN.

° Foreign Minister Chung looked forward to Germany playing a leading role during its G7 presidency in 2022 in resolving issues that the international community has been facing and in coming up with measures against COVID-19 and climate change. He hoped that Korea could continuously play a meaningful role in the G7 Summit next year.

° Foreign Minister Baerbock expressed her hope to continue close coordination with Korea in responding to global issues including climate change and gender equality.

4. Foreign Minister Chung explained the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and the Korean government’s efforts on the peace process on the Korean Peninsula, and Foreign Minister Baerbock expressed interest with regard to the current state in this region and commended the endeavor of the Korean government to make progress in inter-Korean relations.