Seoul:German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea on Friday, concluding his Asia tour amid heightened tensions between the two countries.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Merz emphasized Germany's understanding of the pain caused by a country's division, expressing solidarity with South Korea. He highlighted the importance of standing by one's values and having the courage to engage in dialogue as means to overcome such divisions.

During his visit, Merz expressed Germany's hope for a united Korean Peninsula achieved in freedom. The peninsula has remained divided since the Korean War, which ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically at war.

In addition to South Korea, Merz's Asia tour included visits to Singapore and Japan. Meanwhile, North Korea's permanent representative to the UN, Kim Song, criticized a report by the UN special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, dismissing it as a malicious attack on the country's sovereignty and policies. Kim reiterated that human rights issues should not infringe on state sovereignty, calling the domain inviolable.