김은정
| 2026-04-13 13:42:45
(2nd LD) Lee-Poland-summit
(2nd LD) Lee, Polish PM agree to upgrade bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnership
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with latest details, photos; RECASTS headline, lead)
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, April 13 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed to upgrade the bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and bolster cooperation in the defense industry and energy supply chains during their summit talks Monday.
Lee said the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to pave the way for deeper cooperation across a broad range of sectors, expressing hope for further advancing "mutually beneficial" defense industry ties.
"I underscored the need for the steady implementation of the framework agreement already concluded between our two countries, which is essential for deepening and advancing our defense industry cooperation," Lee said at a joint press announcement at Cheong Wa Dae.
Defense collaboration has emerged as the cornerstone of bilateral relations, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, Poland signed a $44.2 billion framework agreement to purchase K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light attack aircraft and Chunmoo multiple rocket launch systems.
In December, Poland signed a 5.6 trillion-won (US$4 billion) contract with South Korean defense firm Hanwha Aerospace Co. to acquire additional Chunmoo batteries, further solidifying its position as one of South Korea's largest defense customers.
Tusk also underscored the importance of defense industry cooperation and highly commended Korean companies for their contributions to local production, technology transfers and workforce training, Lee noted.
Lee expressed hope for expanding the scope of bilateral cooperation, noting that Poland has become one of South Korea's top five trading partners among European Union member states. South Korea is also the largest non-European investor in Poland.
"We agreed to further broaden the scope of our bilateral cooperation to cover a wider range of areas, including energy supply chains, infrastructure, and science and technology," Lee said.
He noted that Korean companies investing in electric vehicle battery production in Poland are diversifying their portfolios by entering the energy storage system market and called for the Polish government's continued support for Korean firms operating in the country.
Lee also requested Tusk's attention to Korean companies' participation in two major infrastructure projects in Poland, including the construction of a new major airport and the Warsaw tram replacement project.
The talks also covered ways to strengthen communication in the face of growing uncertainty in the global economic and security environment, as both countries grapple with the ripple effects of the United States' war against Iran.
"Our two countries concurred on the importance of stabilizing global supply chains in response to the crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East. We agreed to continue necessary cooperation to this end," Lee said.
Lee added that the two sides shared the view that security on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe is closely interlinked and agreed to work together for peace and prosperity in their respective regions, as well as for global peace.
Tusk struck a similar chord, emphasizing that Seoul and Warsaw must work together to contribute to global peace.
Tusk arrived in South Korea on Sunday for a two-day visit, marking the first bilateral trip to the country by a Polish prime minister in 27 years.
For Tusk's official visit, Lee prepared a smartwatch equipped with healthcare and artificial intelligence functions, reflecting the premier's hobbies, including soccer and running, according to Lee's office.
Lee also prepared a Korean traditional "hanbok"-style cloak for Tusk's pet dog, a calligraphy piece and a traditional Korean bronze ware cutlery set.
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