Germany will provide support for the Korean Peninsula peace process moving forward on the basis of its own reunification experience, its top diplomat said Thursday.
"Germany was unified about 25 years ago, but its people are still reminded of the days before the unification when they see the status of division on the Korean Peninsula," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said via an interpreter during a meeting with South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon in Seoul.
"The German government promises to provide support with regard to the Korean Peninsula process. When we are asked for and within our capacity, we promise our support," he added.
Maas is in Seoul as part of his first Asia trip as the top German diplomat, which also included a stop in Japan.
In an earlier lecture in Tokyo, local media reported that Maas emphasized the importance of cooperation among Germany and other countries in achieving complete denuclearization of North Korea.
Cho said that much progress has been made since President Moon Jae-in announced the so-called Berlin Initiative last year providing his vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula. He attributed the advance to strong support from the international community. (yonhap)