[Seoul=Newsis] Reporter Choi Jin-seok reported that on the 24th, President Yoon Suk-yeol bid farewell with a hug to Polish President Andrzej Duda after a state dinner held at the Blue House Guest House for the Polish president and his spouse. President Yoon stated, “Korean weapons will protect Poland’s land and sky, and the drones purchased by Poland earlier this month will protect Korean territory.”
President Yoon invited President Duda and his wife to a dinner at the Blue House Guest House on the 24th, according to the presidential office. Yoon noted that both Korea and Poland overcame historical wounds and achieved economic growth and democratization in a short time, developing mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas. He highlighted that Polish composer Chopin’s music is reborn through Korean pianist Cho Seong-jin, and Poland hosts countless K-pop fans enjoying Korean music.
He added that Poland, protected by many patriots including President Duda’s grandfather, has grown into a global power ranked around the 20th in the world and is playing a leading role in responding to global crises like the Ukraine war. Recognizing the importance of national security, Yoon reiterated that Korean weapons would protect Poland’s land and sky and that Poland’s drones would secure Korean territory.
Furthermore, he emphasized that Korea shares values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law with Poland, aiming to further strengthen strategic cooperation, making President Duda’s visit the first step toward a hopeful and mature 35 years together.
President Duda responded by stating that Koreans are seen as a symbol of development and a ‘tiger of the East’ to Poles, and now Korean-made weapons symbolize security. He expressed satisfaction with Korean weapons among Polish soldiers and expressed hope for Poland to export weapons to third countries through defense cooperation with Korea. He assured that Korea serves as a model for Poland, and the cooperation between the two countries, which are on similar paths of development, holds great potential.
The state dinner was attended by President Yoon, his wife Kim Gun-hee, President Duda, his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda, and various personalities from the governments, business, and academia of both countries. During the dinner, a performance combining Korean tradition and Polish classics took place, featuring masters like pansori artist Shin Young-hee, singer Yoo Tae-pyung-yang, pianist Yoon Yeon-joon, and baritone Lee Eung-kwang, ending with a chorus of ‘Jindo Arirang.’ The Duda couple appreciated both Chopin’s music and were captivated by Korean traditional music.
Meanwhile, on that day, First Lady Kim and Mrs. Duda visited Gyeongbokgung Palace as part of a program for the spouses, experiencing and appreciating Korean cultural heritage. They also joined the official welcoming ceremony before the state dinner. This marked Kim’s first appearance in an official setting after returning from a Southeast Asia trip 13 days prior.