President Lee Jae-myung met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on the 13th and discussed Korea's imports of Polish beef. Tusk said Lee listened to the request and replied that he would "resolve" the matter. The Korean government halted beef imports from most European countries, including Poland, in 2000 following the Europe-origin "mad cow disease crisis." With this summit, imports are expected to resume more quickly.
On a two-day visit to Korea, Tusk held an expanded summit and a luncheon with Lee at the Blue House that day. He said they discussed issues related to exports of Polish beef to Korea and that he heard "good news" from Lee.
Ahead of the expanded talks, Tusk said, "During today's meeting, Lee asked me to convey this. It will be good news for Polish citizens and the delegation," adding, "Regarding exports of Polish beef, (Lee) said he would 'resolve it right away.'" He also said, "He showed hope and positivity to Polish citizens. I am very grateful to the president for showing initiative."
In a joint press statement, Tusk said, "The two countries also decided to strengthen cooperation in the food industry sector," adding, "We appreciate that Lee fully understands our expectations regarding expanding access for Polish products to the Korean market." He continued, "Trust is important in agriculture and food as well."
According to Presidential Office Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, Tusk joked during the expanded talks that day, saying, "I understand there are eight steps in the (beef) import procedure, and it took five years just to complete step five," and, "It will take three years to finish the remaining three steps, and by then I might no longer be in this world." Kang said, "Rather than a definite answer, Lee replied that he would 'review' that part."
◇ Lee: Stable execution of the K-defense master contract is needed
That day, Lee emphasized defense industry cooperation, including Poland's procurement of Korean weapons. He said he stressed to Prime Minister Tusk that "stable execution of the master contract already signed is needed so that defense cooperation between the two countries can deepen and develop."
The two countries signed a $44.2 billion (about 66 trillion won) defense contract in 2022. It covers Poland's imports of the Korean K2 tank, K9 self-propelled howitzer, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and the Chunmoo multiple rocket system. In addition to arms exports, the master contract also includes technology transfer and local production.
However, as the Polish government sought loans from the European Union (EU) for weapons purchases, conflicts surfaced, raising concerns that contract execution could be affected. Recently, the European Commission announced a €800 billion (about 1,389 trillion won) "Plan for entering the era of rearmament," saying it would limit joint procurement loans for weapons to "European-made." The aim is to prevent funds from flowing overseas.