German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Korea and his summit with President Lee Jae Myung present an important opportunity to elevate bilateral relations to a new level. Since the signing of the Korea-Germany Treaty of 1883, the two countries have built a relationship of trust over 143 years through cooperation in politics, business, culture and education. Now is the time to consider how we can build upon this historical foundation to shape the next 30 years of our partnership. Having spent more than three decades with BMW Group, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable results that can be achieved when German technological excellence and long-term strategic thinking are combined with Korea's dynamism and ability to execute. My three years as chairman of ADeKo (Alumninetzwerk Deutschland-Korea) further reinforced my conviction that academic, cultural and youth exchanges are essential foundations for the long-term sustainability of bilateral relations. Although geographically distant, Korea and Germany face remarkably similar challenges. Both countries have built their prosperity on