President Lee Jae Myung on April 13 hosts a bilateral summit with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. (Cheong Wa Dae)
By Kim Seon Ah
President Lee Jae Myung and visiting Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on the morning of April 13 at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership."
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a written briefing said, "Both leaders at their summit adopted a joint statement outlining expanded cooperation in national defense, the defense industry, energy and infrastructure as well as cutting-edge sectors, science and technology and space."
Marking his first tour of Asia since taking office, Prime Minister Tusk is also the first Polish head of state to visit Korea in 27 years.
Both sides lauded the progress of their cooperation in the defense industry. President Lee underscored the importance of carrying out a 2022 defense deal worth USD 44.2 billion and follow-up contracts, requesting smooth conclusion of the remaining agreements.
Prime Minister Tusk commended the technical capacity and reliability of the Korean defense industry and expressed a willingness to expand collaboration.
In economy, the two leaders cited rising bilateral cooperation, with two-way trade exceeding USD 10 billion and cumulative investment of USD 8.8 billion.
President Lee also requested help in resolving delays in issuing residence permits for the staff of Korean companies in Poland. His Polish counterpart pledged to review the matter.
They also agreed to expand cooperation in supply chains and energy storage systems in batteries and energy as well as raise ties in infrastructure projects such as a new airport, high-speed rail and the Warsaw tram project.
In science and technology, they pledged to expand joint research and personnel exchanges in cutting-edge sectors like hydrogen, nanotechnology, materials and space.
On regional issues, both sides agreed to expand communication on developments on the Korean Peninsula and in Ukraine, saying the security of the peninsula and Europe are interconnected. They also and agreed on the need to stabilize global supply chains.
Cheong Wa Dae said in the briefing that the summit offered an opportunity to expand cooperation in all directions with Poland, a key member of the European Union and NATO.
sofiakim218@korea.kr
