S. Korean, Polish PMs highlight shared democracy, defense cooperation

▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok (R) and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shake hands ahead of their talks at the government complex in Seoul on April 13, 2026. (Yonhap)

S Korea-Poland-PM talks

S. Korean, Polish PMs highlight shared democracy, defense cooperation

By Lee Haye-ah

SEOUL, April 13 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Monday and highlighted the two countries' shared democracy as Tusk expressed hope for continued cooperation in the defense and economic sectors.

Kim and Tusk held talks at the government complex in Seoul shortly after the Polish leader held a summit with President Lee Jae Myung at Cheong Wa Dae.

"I believe the government of the Republic of Korea and the government of Poland share the identity of democracy," the South Korean prime minister said in opening remarks, claiming he and Lee were among those targeted during former President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law in 2024.

"It's also very meaningful that Poland and South Korea share cultural similarities," he said, referring to the growing popularity of South Korean culture in Poland and South Koreans' affection for music by Polish composer Frederic Chopin.

Speaking through an interpreter, Tusk reaffirmed Poland's commitment to continuing cooperation with South Korea in the defense sector, saying he sees opportunities for Polish companies to get involved.

"I also hope that our economic cooperation will develop into a balanced form of cooperation," he said.

Tusk added that he was unaware of the "threat" Kim and Lee were under during the martial law episode but could relate because he had a similar experience when Poland was under communist rule.

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