President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who made an official visit to Korea on Tuesday, and the two leaders agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” for the first time in 13 years.
“I find it very meaningful that we have decided to elevate our bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of Prime Minister Tusk’s visit,” President Lee said in his opening remarks at the expanded Korea-Poland summit held at Cheong Wa Dae.
“I hope we can have candid discussions on ways to cooperate in future-oriented areas such as battery infrastructure, science and technology, and space to develop our bilateral relationship in a more comprehensive and strategic manner,” Lee added.
“Even amid ongoing geopolitical crises, our defense cooperation has grown stronger, as evidenced by the comprehensive contract worth $44.2 billion signed in 2022,” the president said. “K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers—weapons embodying Korea’s technology and pride—are majestically traversing Poland’s green fields, protecting Polish territory and citizens.”
Lee emphasized that “defense cooperation between our two countries goes beyond simple weapons sales” and that “it is even more meaningful in that we are contributing to the development of Poland’s defense ecosystem through mutually beneficial cooperation including joint production, technology transfer, and training within Poland.”
“Korea is a country with world-class competitiveness across various industrial sectors, and Poland is also a strong nation with geographical advantages, excellent workforce, and solid basic science and technology capabilities,” Lee said. “I am confident that if the strengths of both countries create synergy in a mutually beneficial way, new horizons for bilateral cooperation will open.”
The president also mentioned Lech Walesa, the founder of Poland’s Solidarity movement and Nobel Peace Prize laureate who is a political ally of Prime Minister Tusk. “When Korea was fighting for democratization in the 1980s, Poland’s Solidarity and Lech Walesa were like an impressive beacon of hope,” Lee said. “I hope that Poland and Korea will develop further through the power of democracy.”
In response, Prime Minister Tusk told President Lee, “This is our first official meeting, but it feels like we have known each other for a long time. I think we can understand each other in many areas because we have lived similar lives and share similar values.”
“Like you, Mr. President, I also worked as a laborer at a young age, and I want to express my gratitude for the exemplary leadership you have shown during what could be seen as a difficult time for Korea,” Tusk said.
“Our comprehensive relationship extends beyond the defense industry—for example, I can mention the food sector,” Tusk said. “You have shown that certain issues can be resolved immediately, and you told me that the beef export issue would be addressed right away. I believe this has given hope and positive signals to many Polish citizens.”
This was the first meeting between President Lee and Prime Minister Tusk. Tusk’s visit marks the first bilateral visit by a Polish prime minister in 27 years and his first bilateral visit to a non-European country since taking office.