Lee and Polish prime minister agree to expand defense industry cooperation, upgrade ties
Published: 13 Apr. 2026, 18:28
Updated: 14 Apr. 2026, 14:12
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- SARAH KIM
- [email protected]
![Korean President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk toast during their official luncheon after their summit at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 13. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/04/14/74e53372-cdfd-4db9-8b45-df3aadc80621.jpg)
Korean President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk toast during their official luncheon after their summit at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 13. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
"I underscored the need for the steady implementation of the framework agreement already existing between our two countries, which is essential for deepening and advancing our defense industry cooperation," Lee said during a joint press conference at the Blue House in central Seoul after the summit talks.
Lee was referring to an ambitious $44.2 billion framework agreement signed by Korea and Poland in 2022, which includes the export of Korea's K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light attack aircraft and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to Poland. This contract also encompasses technology transfers and local production.
"Weapons embodying Korea's technology and pride — ranging from K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled artillery and FA-50 light-attack aircraft to Chunmoo rocket launchers — are safeguarding Poland's territory and its people," Lee said, elaborating on arms export cooperation.
"We are contributing to the development of Poland's defense ecosystem through mutually beneficial cooperation, including local production, technology transfers and work force training within Poland."
The remarks came as the leaders elevated bilateral relations to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" for the first time in 13 years. The two sides agreed to expand the scope of cooperation into future-oriented sectors such as advanced industries, science and technology, space, energy supply chains and infrastructure.
Notably, Korean companies that have invested in EV battery production in Poland are now diversifying their portfolio by entering the energy storage system market.
Tusk, in turn, stressed that defense industry cooperation remains the driving force behind the two countries' relationship and that Poland plans to continue this cooperation and accelerate technology transfers and the relocation of production bases to Poland.
This comes amid local reports suggesting that there could be internal conflicts within the Polish government regarding loans from the European Union for weapons procurement, which could cause issues with payments for Koreans arms exports.
![Korean President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shake hands ahead of their bilateral summit at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 13. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/04/14/e25e40b3-5910-4f28-8bf9-9fc7d6776270.jpg)
Korean President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk shake hands ahead of their bilateral summit at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 13. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
Through their joint press statement, Lee and Tusk acknowledged that security on the Korean Peninsula and in Europe is closely interlinked and "concurred on the importance of stabilizing global supply chains in response to the crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East."
Tusk said that he requested during the summit that Lee address the issue of importing Polish beef to Korea, to which the Korean president replied that he would work toward resolving the issue immediately.
For his part, Lee requested "special consideration" involving the participation of Korean companies in two major infrastructure projects in Poland — the Central Transport Hub center for the construction of a new airport — as well as the Warsaw tram replacement project.
![President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk clap as they hold a joint press briefing at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 13. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/04/14/0cb1f547-b26e-496e-b275-937059dcc486.jpg)
President Lee Jae Myung, right, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk clap as they hold a joint press briefing at the Blue House in central Seoul on April 13. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]
The two leaders later participated in a luncheon attended by government officials, business leaders and defense industry representatives from both countries. Executives of key Korean defense companies, including Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae, Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il and Korea Aerospace Industries CEO Kim Jong-chool, were in attendance.
![A hanbok-inspired (traditional Korean attire) cape gifted to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's dog on April 13 during a bilateral summit in Seoul. [BLUE HOUSE]](https://koreaseafood.online/data/photo/2026/04/14/ebbb44cc-7ea3-42e2-ae3a-9ef15df6c50a.jpg)
A hanbok-inspired (traditional Korean attire) cape gifted to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's dog on April 13 during a bilateral summit in Seoul. [BLUE HOUSE]
The menu featured fusion Korean dishes inspired by Polish cuisine.
Afterward, Lee provided Tusk with gifts, including an AI-equipped smartwatch with health-related functions, as Tusk is interested in football and running.
He also gave Tusk a hanbok-inspired (traditional Korean attire) cape for his dog, a traditional bronzeware cutlery set and a calligraphy piece with cranes to symbolize his wish for Tusk and his wife to enjoy a long and happy life together.
The Korean government also placed a welcome kit — including traditional rice cakes and a seasonal Korean fruit basket — at Tusk's place of accommodation.
Chief presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a press conference later on Monday, "As comprehensive strategic partners, the two countries agreed to strengthen close communication amid rising global economic and security uncertainties."
BY SARAH KIM [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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