Finding a country outside Europe that truly grasps Poland’s challenges is rare, much like in South Korea. During a live Facebook broadcast, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki described a swift agreement with the Korean leader on economic matters and military cooperation, underscoring Korea as a pivotal partner for Poland.
On the day of the visit by South Korea’s Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to Poland, Morawiecki spoke candidly about the talks in a social media update. He highlighted the close ties between the two nations and stressed Korea’s significance as a partner for Poland.
Poland is eight thousand kilometers away, yet it is difficult to find a country beyond Europe that comprehends Poland’s current concerns as well as Korea does, Morawiecki asserted.
He noted that Korea knows what it means to live under the shadow of powerful neighbors such as China and Russia, and recalled that Korea itself has faced invasions. Poland, he reminded, has endured centuries between Russia and Germany.
The talks produced a quick consensus, covering not only projects like the Central Communication Port and trade, but also military solutions. Poland pledged to acquire the most advanced weapons from Korea while also seeking assurances that future investments and orders would be paired with the construction of factories on Polish soil.
Morawiecki explained that Korean technical know-how, engineering, and project management would be tied to raising Poland’s own capabilities and technological development. He envisioned a five to eight year path of economic growth through the transfer of expertise from Korea to Poland.
Poland already maintains a close partnership with Korea, and this collaboration is set to deepen, particularly in the defense sector and weapons production. The aim is to offer new Polish export products later on, driven by Korean technical thinking.
The priority remains to improve the quality of weapons for the Polish Army, while ensuring they are modern, reliable, technologically advanced, and manufactured in Poland whenever possible. The Korean side is expected to convey these expectations strongly to its companies.
The talks with Korea also focused on tanks, howitzers, and the K239 Chunmoo rocket launcher, as Morawiecki emphasized.
South Korea’s Prime Minister on a stronger Poland partnership
The relationship with Poland is stronger than ever, Han Duck-soo stated during the Krynica Forum, expressing a hope to expand cooperation in energy, infrastructure, the arms industry, and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
During Krynica Forum 2023, which included President Andrzej Duda and President Gitanas Nausėda, Han reiterated that Poland is a key partner for Korea in Europe. He recalled visits by Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol to Poland, noting how the two countries have deepened ties in recent months.
The strategic bond between the two nations is growing amid global security and economic challenges to freedom and democracy. Han expressed confidence that Krynica Forum would serve as a strong platform to advance cooperation in energy, infrastructure, arms collaboration, and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
He reflected on Korea’s wartime history, acknowledging Korea’s survival with international and UN support and expressing a shared duty to contribute to global peace and prosperity. He also referenced Korea’s financial commitments to Ukraine, including aid announced at recent summits, and stressed the importance of standing in solidarity with European partners in light of shifting security dynamics. He noted increased North Korea–Russia cooperation and the broader risks posed by North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and related cyber activity in Europe. Korea signed a cooperation agreement with the NATO alliance during a recent period, underscoring a shared security agenda.
Krynica Forum 2023, a convergence of business, politics, and academia, runs from September 13 to 15 in Krynica-Zdrój. These discussions reflect a growing alignment on defense, energy, and regional stability among European and Asian partners.
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Note: This summary reflects ongoing coverage of the forum and bilateral talks without attributing to a single source. It compiles statements from participants and organizers to illustrate the evolving partnership between Poland and the Republic of Korea.