Germany Backs EU-Korea FTA

German Ambassador Hans-Ulrich Seidt contributed the following article to The Korea Times on the occasion of Day of German Unity, which was on Oct. 3. ― ED.

While Korea celebrated its national day on Oct. 3, Germany also commemorated its national day, the Day of German Unity.

Therefore, I would first like to convey my good wishes to all readers of The Korea Times.

Koreans have so many desirable talents and are striving to fulfill their dreams.

They will play a leading role in shaping the future that will be very different from the world of the last century.

Twenty years ago, people in the former German Democratic Republic together with their neighbors in Central Europe peacefully swept away the Iron Curtain.

Today, a unified Germany has found its place in a united Europe.

Germany has created a stable democracy and an economic order, which combines freedom with social justice. We are playing our role in promoting European integration and global cooperation, and continue to assume international responsibilities.

Germany strongly supports a deep and intensified relationship between Korea and Europe.

The FTA between Korea and the European Union will offer new perspectives and opportunities for our mutual cooperation.

In a rapidly changing environment, the bilateral relationship between Germany and Korea remains an important and stable element.

Fortunately, the last numbers show that both our economies have started to recover from the latest financial crises.

We are about to leave the economic valley much faster than other countries. Korea will remain one of Germany's most important trading partners in Asia.

Germany is following the political developments on the Korean peninsula with deep sympathy.

We fully support the efforts of the Korean government to bring peace, freedom and prosperity to all Koreans.

Germany and Korea have enjoyed a particularly close partnership during the last five decades.

I am convinced that this cooperation will continue during the years to come and that our countries will further inspire each other.