Seoul, April 13 (IANS) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk held summit talks on Monday to discuss ways to expand bilateral cooperation, with defense ties likely to be high on the agenda.
Lee held his first in-person talks with Tusk at Cheong Wa Dae, to be followed by a joint press announcement and an official luncheon.
Expanding strategic cooperation across various sectors, especially in the defense industry, is expected to be a central focus of the summit.
In December, Poland signed a 5.6 trillion-won ($4 billion) contract with South Korean defense company Hanwha Aerospace Co. to import Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems.
The two leaders will also discuss the Middle East crisis and other major geopolitical developments as Poland is a key member of the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said.
Tusk arrived in South Korea on Sunday for a two-day visit, marking the first bilateral trip to the country by a Polish prime minister in 27 years.
For Tusk’s official visit, Lee prepared a smartwatch equipped with healthcare and artificial intelligence functions, reflecting the premier’s hobbies, including soccer and running, according to Lee’s office, Yonhap news agency reported.
Lee also prepared a Korean traditional hanbok-style cloak for Tusk’s pet dog, a calligraphy piece and a traditional Korean bronze ware cutlery set.
The visit comes amid deepening defence ties between the countries.
In 2022, South Korea and Poland signed a $44.2 billion defence framework agreement for South Korean companies to supply Poland with arms as well as jointly produce military equipment on Polish soil.
South Korean-Polish relations have evolved into a deep strategic partnership, highlighted by massive defence deals, economic cooperation, and security alignment. Poland is a major European buyer of South Korean arms, with deals including K2 tanks and FA-50 light fighters to modernise its forces, strengthening ties amid European security concerns.
–IANS
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