German vice chancellor expresses concerns over N. Korea-Russia cooperation

Robert Habeck, German vice chancellor and minister for economic affairs and climate action, gives a welcome speech during a reception hosted by the Embassy of Germany in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck expressed worries about growing collaboration between North Korea and Russia and reiterated Germany's backing for Ukraine amid the ongoing war between Kyiv and Moscow.

Habeck arrived for a two-day official visit to Seoul on Thursday and met with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. He also met with representatives of European companies in South Korea before leaving for China on Friday.

"(Han) informed me about the visit of Vladimir Putin in North Korea. I shared my concern that the militarization of North Korea and the cooperation with Russia, also by circumventing sanctions, is of real concern for me and I think for the whole world," Habeck said, speaking to reporters in Seoul, Thursday.

Robert Habeck, German vice chancellor and minister for economic affairs and climate action, speaks of North Korea's increased cooperation with Russia during a meeting with reporters in Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

The concerns come in the wake of the new treaty signed during the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, Wednesday, where the two agreed to enhance cooperation and offer military assistance "without delay" if either is attacked.

In response, South Korea said it will reconsider its stance on supplying arms to Ukraine. Seoul's National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin hinted at the possibility of a shift in its policy that has so far allowed only non-lethal assistance to Kyiv.

Habeck stated, "I have thanked the prime minister for the unwavering support of (South) Korea for Ukraine against Russian aggression. This is a war that is quite far away, but you have understood that this is not a regional conflict in a country far away but this is about fighting for freedom and not letting Putin impose imperialistic measures again in the world order."

The vice chancellor also highlighted the importance of international solidarity and cooperation in addressing growing geopolitical challenges.

"So I think in the end, all countries are affected by the war, but not all the countries stand as strong in solidarity as Korea is doing. So I thank the prime minister many times, and I do it once again," he said.

Habeck outlined the three primary purposes of his visit: engaging in political discussions about geopolitical changes, celebrating and reinforcing democratic values and promoting business opportunities.

"I have a huge business delegation with me, mainly small- and medium-sized companies, so I'd like to bring concrete business opportunities to both our economies," he said, emphasizing the robust economic ties between South Korea and Germany, citing over 500 German companies already invested in Asia's fourth largest economy.

He also covered energy systems and future cooperation in green and climate-neutral technology mentioning ongoing discussions about offshore wind energy and renewable energy sources, emphasizing the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks.

"We talked about the energy system and I explained how the European regulation is developing that green technology and climate-neutral technology is the basis of future cooperation," he said.

Habeck stressed the significance of South Korea as a strategic partner in a challenging region, emphasizing the symbolic nature of his visit.

"I think it's important that Korea knows and sees that the people of Korea understand that we see you as a true partner in a very difficult and, some would say, dangerous region. Therefore, yes, this is also symbolic that we belong and stand together," he said.