Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Tusk's visit to Seoul on April 13, 2026. The move marks the first visit by a Polish prime minister to South Korea in 27 years and aims to deepen cooperation in defense, technology, energy, and geopolitics.
Tusk emphasized that the partnership will focus on defense industry collaboration, including technology transfer, localization of acquired weaponry, and shifting part of production to Poland. South Korea is Poland's largest Asian investor, and both sides pledged to work toward balanced economic relations, with Tusk expressing hope for increased Polish food exports to the Korean market.
Beyond defense, the two countries agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation in digitalization, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, space exploration, energy, infrastructure, and transport. They also committed to supporting each other on the international stage, with Tusk stating that Poland and South Korea will work together to stabilize the geopolitical situation and build a new international order.
President Lee noted that South Korea and Poland have built solid and friendly relations over 37 years, with Poland becoming one of South Korea's top five trading partners within the European Union. The leaders also discussed cultural, scientific, educational, and tourism exchanges.
During his visit, Tusk met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min Seok and National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik, as well as representatives of Korean businesses and business associations. The two countries issued a joint statement outlining the new strategic partnership.
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