(April 13): South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk agreed to expand their defence cooperation during talks in Seoul, as the war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year and the US shifts its defence priorities to the Middle East.
“I underscored the need for steady implementation of the framework agreement already concluded between our two countries, which is essential for deepening and advancing our defence industry cooperation,” Lee said after a meeting with Tusk on Monday.
Poland signed a US$6.5 billion deal to purchase K2 tanks from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem Company Ltd last year in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato) member’s latest move to shore up its military capability. Poland has been ramping up its military following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and now allocates nearly 5% of its economic output on defence, one of the highest levels among Nato members.
The visit took place as US President Donald Trump has been stepping up criticism of Nato and other allies such as South Korea for not helping the US re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has threatened to blockade the key waterway after talks with Iran collapsed over the weekend.
South Korea and Poland agreed on the importance of stabilising global supply chains in response to the crisis triggered by the conflict in Iran and agreed to continue necessary cooperation, Lee said. He did not elaborate in what areas they might work together.
The two leaders also agreed to expand partnership in areas including energy supply chains, infrastructure and science and technology. “Today’s summit will serve as an important milestone in taking bilateral relations to the next level,” Lee said.
See also: Trump blockade of Iran ports risks widening war to high seas
Tusk’s trip marks the first bilateral visit by a Polish premier to the Asian nation in 27 years, according to Lee’s office. Tusk is set to depart for Tokyo on Monday for a three-day visit that will include a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
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