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Korean, Polish leaders to discuss economic, defense industry cooperation at Seoul summit

Published: 12 Apr. 2026, 17:06

SARAH KIM
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SEO JI-EUN
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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks at the signing of offset agreements with Lockheed Martin, which will initiate technology implementation and the development of full support infrastructure for Apache helicopters in Lodz, Poland, on March 23. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will hold a bilateral summit in Seoul on Monday, an occasion to discuss ways to expand economic and defense industry cooperation.

The Blue House announced Friday that Tusk will pay a two-day visit to Korea over Sunday and Monday, marking the first bilateral visit to Korea by a Polish prime minister in 27 years.

The two leaders plan to "extensively discuss ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries across various fields," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a statement Friday.

She noted that Poland is a key member of the European Union and NATO, and said that Lee and Tusk will "hold in-depth discussions on major political situations, including the recent war in the Middle East, and strategies for responding to global issues."

Poland, the world's 20th-largest economy, has been rapidly modernizing its military capabilities and has become a formidable partner for Korea in defense exports. Thus, the visit is also anticipated by the defense industry companies as an opportunity to advance their ambitions.

In 2022, Korea and Poland sealed an ambitious $44.2 billion framework agreement, including for the supply of K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and FA-50 light attack aircraft. As part of this deal, Poland agreed to acquire a total of 1,000 K2 tanks.

The first-phase contract, signed the same year, covered 180 tanks worth $3.4 billion. However, the second-phase contract for the remaining 820 tanks, initially expected to be finalized by late 2024, has faced delays.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks at a meeting with senior presidential aides at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 9. [YONHAP]

On Monday, Lee will greet Tusk in an official welcome ceremony, followed by summit talks, a joint press briefing and an official luncheon.

Kang described Poland as "an economic powerhouse in Central Europe, and a key gateway for entering the European market."

Some 400 Korean companies producing EV batteries, parts and materials have entered the Polish market.

"Based on its strategic location connecting Western and Eastern Europe and an excellent investment environment, it has emerged as a major production hub in Europe and is attracting attention as a strategic base for future industries, including high-tech sectors," Kang said.

The two sides could also discuss Russia's war on Ukraine, with Warsaw establishing itself as a strong supporter of Kyiv at the beginning of the conflict.

In December last year, Poland signed a 5.6 trillion-won ($4 billion) contract with Korean arms company Hanwha Aerospace to import Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems.

Jeong Yeon-doo, left, vice minister for diplomatic strategy and intelligence, poses for a photo with Robert Kupiecki, undersecretary of state for security policy at the Polish foreign ministry, ahead of their security strategy dialogue in Warsaw on Feb. 2. [MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS]

In early March, Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Poland accompanied by a delegation from Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

During the visit, Cho and his Polish counterpart Radoslaw Sikorski pledged to provide "all necessary support" to ensure the swift implementation of the contract for K2 tanks.

"Prime Minister Tusk's visit to Korea is expected to serve as an important milestone for further developing the bilateral relationship, which has steadily grown since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1989, in a more future-oriented and strategic manner," Kang said.

Earlier this year, Polish defense projects were approved for financing under the EU's SAFE, or Security Action Europe, the first time the bloc has committed to large-scale arms financing at the federal level.

Kang Hoon-sik, left, presidential chief of staff, poses for a photo with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in this photo captured from X on Oct. 21. [YONHAP]

A spokesperson for a Korean defense company, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Korea JoongAng Daily that the industry is eager for Tusk's visit to address its concerns about being excluded amid growing bloc formations and to expand cooperation across wider sectors.

"Given the recent strengthening of blocs within Europe, such as the SAFE funds, against non-European defense companies, we hope this visit serves as an opportunity to lower these hurdles," the spokesperson said. "We also hope this serves as a catalyst to expand cooperation into sectors with high demand within European countries, such as ammunition and air defense."

The spokesperson also noted that Poland has shown interest in the satellite sector, citing expectations that related discussions will take place.

Korean companies also envision opportunities to export to other neighboring Eastern European countries through a local joint venture.

"However, since the transfer of military technology and exports to neighboring countries requires prior consultation with the Korean government, this is likely to take some time before it materializes," the spokesperson added.

BY SARAH KIM, SEO JI-EUN [[email protected]]