President Lee Vows to Deepen Defense Cooperation; Tusk Calls Korea Poland’s Most Important Ally After the US

The Financial News reported that President Lee Jae Myung held a summit with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at Cheong Wa Dae on the 13th. This visit is the first bilateral trip to the Republic of Korea (ROK) by a Polish prime minister in 27 years, and also Tusk’s first bilateral visit to a non-European country since taking office. During the talks, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
At the expanded ROK–Republic of Poland summit held at the main building of Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee said, "The Republic of Korea and the Republic of Poland have continued to develop friendly and cooperative relations in various fields since establishing diplomatic ties in 1989." He went on, "Fifteen years after normalization, in 2005, we established a future-oriented partnership, and in 2013 we concluded a strategic partnership. Since then, our bilateral relationship has continued to make remarkable progress."
He continued, "The development of our bilateral relations is proven by various indicators. For example, for Korea, the Republic of Poland is the fifth-largest trading partner among European Union (EU) member states." He added, "Bilateral trade has surpassed 10 billion dollars, and for the Republic of Poland, Korea is the number one investor among non-European countries. Around 100,000 people travel between Korea and the Republic of Poland each year, serving as an important bridge linking our two nations."
He also highlighted the expansion of defense industry cooperation. President Lee noted, "Even amid ongoing geopolitical crises, our two countries have deepened their defense industry cooperation to the point of signing a framework contract worth 44.2 billion dollars in 2022." He said, "The K2 Black Panther main battle tank, the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, the FA-50 light combat aircraft, and the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system—weapon systems that embody the ROK’s technology and pride—are now operating proudly across the green plains of the Republic of Poland, protecting its territory and people."
In particular, he stressed, "Defense industry cooperation between our two countries goes far beyond simple arms sales." He added, "Through mutually beneficial cooperation such as joint production, technology transfer, and training within the Republic of Poland, we are contributing to the development of Poland’s defense industry ecosystem, which makes this partnership all the more meaningful."
President Lee proposed that, to further develop bilateral relations in a more comprehensive and strategic way, the two sides hold frank discussions on ways to cooperate in future-oriented fields such as battery infrastructure, science and technology, and space.
Prime Minister Tusk responded by pointing to common ground he shares with President Lee. He said, "Although this is our first official meeting, it feels as if we have known each other for a long time. Perhaps it is because we have led similar lives and share similar values, which has created many areas of mutual understanding." He continued, "Like you, I also worked as a laborer at a young age, and we both understand well that democracy and freedom come at a high price. From the perspective of the Republic of Korea, you have personally shown exemplary leadership in difficult times, and I would like to express my gratitude for that."
Prime Minister Tusk said, "The relationship between the Republic of Poland and Korea has been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and I will work to ensure that this kind of partnership can be developed not only between the Republic of Poland and Korea but also between Korea and other European countries." He added, "I believe that our two countries can serve as a model not only for the Republic of Poland but also for the EU and the wider world."
He particularly emphasized, "For the Republic of Poland, Korea is the most important ally after the United States of America (US)." He went on, "The defense industry, in particular, plays that role. This is true now, and I am confident it will remain so in the future."
Economic cooperation issues were also discussed. Prime Minister Tusk said, "Our comprehensive relationship extends beyond the defense industry to areas such as food. On the issue of beef exports, you said it would be resolved quickly." He added, "I believe this is possible because of the friendship we share."
He went on, "During our meeting, we also talked about cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation. On the way back to the hotel after our meal, our delegation met many Polish tourists, and when they heard that I would be meeting with you today, they asked me to convey their regards." He continued, "You are held in high esteem not only in the Republic of Poland but also across Europe, and people view very positively all that you have done for Korea. You have made a significant contribution to the international community, and I would like once again to thank you for that. I hope our cooperation will be further strengthened and that our close relationship will continue."
Just before the opening statements concluded, President Lee said, "Before the cameras leave, there is one thing I must share with our people." He continued, "Our citizens remember former Polish President Lech Wałęsa very well. Prime Minister Tusk was a young comrade of former President Wałęsa."
He added, "When the Republic of Korea was waging its democratization struggle in the 1980s, the Independent Self-governing Trade Union 'Solidarity' in the Republic of Poland and Lech Wałęsa were a deeply impressive beacon of hope." He stressed, "We know that, thanks to the power of democracy, the Republic of Poland is now one of the fastest-growing and most rapidly developing countries in Europe. We welcome you."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter