Poland, South Korea strengthen defence cooperation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership following a summit in Cheong Wa Dae.

The two sides plan to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including the defence industry and energy supply chains, as well as ensure the implementation of previously signed agreements, Caliber.Az reports, citing Korean media.

Defence cooperation has become a key pillar of bilateral relations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In 2022, Poland signed a $44.2 billion agreement to purchase South Korean weapons, and in December, it concluded an additional contract worth approximately $4 billion with Hanwha Aerospace.

Tusk stressed the importance of defence cooperation, calling South Korea “ the most important ally after the United States” in the field of armaments.

The leaders also discussed expanding economic ties.

Poland is one of South Korea’s largest trading partners in the European Union, while Seoul is the largest non-European investor in the Polish economy.

Both sides agreed to further develop cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and technology, and to coordinate their actions amid global instability, emphasising the importance of resilient supply chains.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov