New york: President Lee Jae Myung met with Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in the defense industry, as stated by Lee's office. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, highlighting Poland's growing significance as a key destination for South Korea's defense exports, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the discussions focused on enhancing defense industry cooperation, particularly in the areas of tanks and other defense technologies. The leaders expressed their commitment to expanding these ties to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for companies in both countries. President Lee also conveyed his interest in closer collaboration with Poland's submarine acquisition program, a crucial area of interest for South Korea.

Hanwha Group, a prominent South Korean industrial conglomerate, has been actively pursuing Poland's Orka project. This initiative involves the purchase of three to four 3,000-ton submarines, with an estimated value exceeding 3 trillion won (approximately US$2.25 billion). The potential collaboration in this project underscores the strategic importance of the partnership between South Korea and Poland.

Additionally, the two leaders exchanged views on regional security issues, including the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the conflict in Ukraine. This dialogue reflects the broader geopolitical concerns shared by both nations and their commitment to enhancing strategic cooperation in addressing these challenges.