South Korean, German military chiefs vow to expand bilateral cooperation

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Military chiefs of South Korea and Germany held the first-ever bilateral talks on Monday in Seoul, where the duo discussed the Ukraine War and sanctions against North Korea, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea.

"Today's office call marked the first ever military exchange between the two countries' Chiefs of Defence," the JCS said, adding the meeting is expected to "deepen and expand military exchange and cooperation" between the two militaries.

General Kim Seung Kyum and Carsten Breuer expressed concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine and agreed to "work together to promote peace around the globe and in Europe," the JCS said.

The duo also discussed regional security and bilateral cooperation.

"The Republic of Korea and Germany have for long sustained close cooperation in various fields as countries sharing universal values of liberal democracy, and the two countries should further expand the scope of bilateral cooperation for stability in the Indo-Pacific region," said the statement.

Kim expressed his gratitude to Germany and the international community for enforcing sanctions against North Korea and promoting peace in the Korean Peninsula. He added that South Korea will continue to support policies against North Korea and peace initiatives.

Previously, Germany sent a medical team to treat around 300,000 patients, aiding Korea's post-war reconstruction.