Leaders elevate relations to comprehensive strategic partnership anchored in arms deals and supply chain cooperation

ROK President Lee Jae Myung meets with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Seoul, April 13, 2026 | Image: Blue House

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed on Monday to upgrade bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” pledging closer cooperation in defense, industry and advanced technologies during talks in Seoul. The meeting marked the first bilateral visit by a Polish prime minister to South Korea in 27 years and reflects deepening ties between the two countries since establishing diplomatic relations in 1989.

Both leaders reaffirmed defense cooperation as the cornerstone of the relationship, highlighting the implementation of a $44.2 billion framework agreement signed in 2022 covering systems such as tanks, howitzers and aircraft. They also agreed to expand collaboration into sectors including energy supply chains, infrastructure, semiconductors and space, with a focus on technology transfer, joint production and investment to support long-term industrial cooperation.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed on Monday to upgrade bilateral relations to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” pledging closer cooperation in defense, industry and advanced technologies during talks in Seoul. The meeting marked the first bilateral visit by a Polish prime minister to South Korea in 27 years and reflects deepening ties between the two countries since establishing diplomatic relations in 1989.

Both leaders reaffirmed defense cooperation as the cornerstone of the relationship, highlighting the implementation of a $44.2 billion framework agreement signed in 2022 covering systems such as tanks, howitzers and aircraft. They also agreed to expand collaboration into sectors including energy supply chains, infrastructure, semiconductors and space, with a focus on technology transfer, joint production and investment to support long-term industrial cooperation.

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