1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul had a meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and paid a courtesy call on President of Poland Andrzej Duda on the morning of Thursday, March 6, on the occasion of Minister Cho’s official visit to Poland.

2. In the meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, Minister Cho noted the recent development of Korea-Poland relations, especially in the area of defense and the defense industry, and stressed the importance of direct communication between the ministries of foreign affairs and defense of the two countries. He highly appreciated that security cooperation between Korea and Poland has continued to advance in an unwavering manner through frequent exchanges of visits between the defense authorities, as the new Polish government took office in December 2023.

3. Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized that the Polish government, while actively promoting cooperation in the defense industry between the two countries, is determined to conclude the remaining executive contracts without delay to implement the framework agreement concluded in 2022. Both sides agreed to continue to work together under the close defense partnership to accelerate the conclusion of the second executive contract for K2 tanks, along with cooperation in various other weapons systems.

4. Minister Cho commended the leadership of Poland, which is serving as the presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of this year, and also expressed hopes to further develop strategic cooperation in the area of security and defense with the EU through cooperation with Poland, which set security as its top priority during its EU presidency.

5. During the courtesy call on President Duda, Minister Cho explained that, amid continued close summit-level communication, including President Duda’s state visit to Korea last year marking the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the agreements made during the summit are being steadily implemented. Minister Cho highly praised President Duda’s leadership and efforts to strengthen cooperation with Korea.

6. Minister Cho extended appreciation to the Polish government for showing trust in the democracy of Korea and expressing steadfast commitment to bilateral cooperation, including in the defense industry, during the recent period of domestic difficulties in Korea. Minister Cho reaffirmed that Korea is the best partner for Poland in increasing defense capabilities, and expressed hopes to continue further deepening the defense partnership.

7. President Duda was pleased to witness a significant advancement in bilateral cooperation between Korea and Poland through his state visit to Korea in 2024, following the visit of the President of Korea to Poland in 2023. He expressed his hopes that, as discussed during the summit meeting last year, the second executive contract for K2 tanks would be concluded swiftly, enabling mutually beneficial cooperation in the defense industry including local production in Poland.

8. Minister Cho pointed out the problems stemming from North Korea’s continued development of nuclear weapons and its military cooperation with Russia. President Duda also raised deep concern about the security threats posed by such military cooperation.