Main image: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Photo: PAP/Krystian Maj/KPRM
Warsaw and Seoul have elevated the status of their strategic cooperation, which has existed between the two countries since 2013, by signing an agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The declaration was signed on Wednesday in Seoul by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, PAP reports.
After the signing, Lee Jae Myung noted that the joint declaration reflects a firm commitment to developing bilateral cooperation in areas such as advanced industry, science and technology, energy, outer space, and infrastructure.
He stated that bilateral cooperation in the defense sector would be further expanded. Lee recalled the framework agreement signed with Poland in 2022, noting that its value amounts to approximately $44.2 billion. This agreement provides for the conclusion of so-called executive contracts for the supply of Korean K2 tanks. The South Korean leader said that the scope of bilateral cooperation would be extended to supply chains, energy, infrastructure, science, and technology. He also noted that Korean companies are interested in participating in key infrastructure investments in Poland, such as the construction of connections to the Central Communication Port (CPK) airport and the modernization of the tram fleet in Warsaw.
According to him, cooperation will also expand in the fields of research, the space industry, cultural exchange, and tourism, particularly in the development of air connections between the countries.
Lee added that together with the Polish prime minister, he shares the view that the security of the Korean Peninsula and Europe are closely interconnected, and that Poland and South Korea will strive for peace in their regions and act jointly for peace on a global scale.
For his part, Tusk emphasized that both countries will continue to strengthen cooperation in the defense industry, focusing on technology transfer, the “Polonization” of weapons purchased by Poland from South Korea, and the relocation of part of production to Poland.
He also expressed satisfaction with the prospect of expanding access for Polish products to the Korean market, particularly the export of Polish food products. Earlier, during a meeting of the two countries’ delegations, the prime minister hinted that South Korea might open its market to Polish beef.
The head of the Polish government also stated that both countries intend to enhance cooperation in digitalization, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, space exploration, energy, transport, and infrastructure.
In addition, Tusk said that Poland and South Korea will make efforts to stabilize the geopolitical situation.
“We all must build a new, secure international order. South Korea and Poland will work to ensure the stability of this emerging new world,” Tusk said.
Among the areas of expanded bilateral cooperation, he named culture, science, education, and tourism. The Polish prime minister also invited the President of the Republic of Korea to visit Poland.
At the beginning of the visit, during a media briefing, the head of the Polish government noted that the focus was primarily on cooperation with Seoul in the defense industry.
“We will conduct these talks without any complexes. I would like to say directly to the President of Korea: a representative of not a small or poorer country has come here, but of a European economic power. And I expect decisions that will balance the trade relationship between Korea and Poland,” Tusk emphasized.
Tusk’s visit is the first in 27 years by a Polish politician of this level to Seoul.
In addition to South Korea, Tusk will also visit Japan.
