The top diplomats of South Korea and Poland have agreed to continue working together to advance defense cooperation, including providing full support for swift progress in key arms exports, Seoul's foreign ministry said Thursday.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski reached the understanding during their talks in Warsaw on Wednesday, as they shared the view that their partnership in the defense industry has become "a key pillar" in bilateral relations, the ministry said.
The talks came as South Korea is seeking to finalize its second round of contracts to export 820 K2 tanks, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem Co., to Poland, in a deal estimated at around $7 billion.
The two countries signed a $12.4 billion agreement in July 2022, under which South Korea will supply K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light attack aircraft and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to Poland.
"The ministers agreed to maintain their unwavering commitment to advancing defense collaboration as strategic partners in security and national defense," the ministry said in a release.
"They agreed to make every possible effort, including government-to-government consultations, to ensure the swift conclusion of the implementation of the second contract for the K2 tanks," it said.
The ministers also discussed North Korea's military provocations.
Strongly condemning the North's continued nuclear and missile development, and its illegal military cooperation with Russia, they reaffirmed their commitment to a united and resolute response in coordination with the international community to achieve the North's complete denuclearization.
Cho stressed that the North should not be rewarded with any compensation in return for its illegal involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine in the course of ceasefire negotiations.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Cho reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to supporting efforts toward lasting peace and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Following the talks, Cho and Sikorski signed a follow-up agreement for plans to advance the two countries' strategic partnership.
While in Warsaw, Cho also visited the 23rd Tactical Air Base in Minsk Mazowiecki, about 50 kilometers east of the Polish capital, as part of a tour to the site of their defense cooperation, the ministry said.
South Korea's FA-50 light attack aircraft are deployed at the air force base, with personnel from the Korea Aerospace Industries stationed there to carry out maintenance and pilot training.
During the visit, Cho also had a meeting with businesspeople from some 13 South Korean companies and chiefs of several South Korean public entities, including the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
Cho's visit marked the first trip to Poland by a South Korean foreign minister in six years. (Yonhap)
