The consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed in particular at discussing the most important aspects of weapons purchases, trade, strategic projects, and foreign direct investment.

In regard to defence, the ministers debated purchases of military equipment as well as securing the transfer of technology and production to Poland. “We are the world’s largest recipient of arms from the Republic of Korea and, due to our geographical location, we can serve as an example of the implementation of Korean systems and a potential logistics and technical centre for Europe,” the head of Polish diplomacy said during the meeting.

As for economic cooperation, the ministers spoke about the balance of trade, further admission of Polish agri-food products to the Korean market, and foreign direct investment, among other topics. In recent years, the Republic of Korea has become the second non-European and the top Asian source of direct investment in Poland, which translates into enhanced economic cooperation, including B2B relations and knowledge transfer. In terms of economy, strategic infrastructure and energy projects were also discussed at the meeting.

Much of the talks focused on the security situation in Europe and the Asia–Pacific. Ministers Radosław Sikorski and Cho Tae-yul spoke about the Russo–Ukrainian war, including cooperation in supporting Ukraine. The strongly established position of South Korean companies in Poland provides a good basis for them to join the post-conflict reconstruction of Ukraine.

The meeting concluded with the ministers signing the Action Plan for the Implementation of the Strategic Partnership for 2025–2028, which sets the directions for sectoral cooperation between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Korea. This document is an important step in strengthening the relations between our countries and ensures long-term and effective bilateral cooperation in key areas.

 

Photo: Sebastian Indra/MFA