Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Reports on visits to Poland and Romania

Minister Shin conducted various military diplomacy activities such as bilateral talks

He bowed and laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

He also promised “full support” for the FA-50 MRO cooperation agreement

He wore the symbolic necktie showing the friendship between the two countries

They attracted attention by doing a “hand-stamped handshake”

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik pays his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw's Saxon Garden during his visit to Poland.

Defense Minister Shin Won Sik’s visits to Romania and Poland further cemented defense and defense industry cooperation with the two countries. During his visits, Minister Shin participated in various military and diplomatic activities, as well as bilateral talks and meetings.

Minister Shin and Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz attended the Korea-Poland Strategic Dialogue co-hosted by the Casimir Pulaski Foundation and Hyundai Rotem on June 21 (local time) and Minister Shin gave an opening speech and said: “The Republic of Korea wishes to become a strategic collaborator and partner in strengthening Poland's defense capabilities based on its defense industry developed over decades.”

The event included a governmental session with introductory remarks by Minister Seok Jong-geon of the Defense Procurement Agency (DAPA), and Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda, followed by concrete discussions on bilateral defense industry cooperation. Minister Seok said, “To strengthen Polish defense capabilities, the signing of the contract for the second phase of the implementation of K2 tanks is urgently needed.”

On the same day, Minister Shin paid his respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Saxon Garden in Warsaw, Poland. The tomb is dedicated to the unknown soldiers who have given their lives for the independence of Poland.

Earlier, on June 20, Minister Shin took part in a visit to the 23rd Air Base in Mińsk Mazowiecki, an event specially prepared by the Polish Ministry of National Defense. Accompanied by Minister Seok and Polish Deputy Minister Bejda, Minister Shin was given a briefing on the air base and inspected the FA-50 fighter jets used by the Polish Air Force. Minister Shin noted the FA-50’s contribution to strengthening the Polish Air Force and emphasized that Korea will provide full support for operation and maintenance after delivery.

During the event, a signing ceremony was held for the FA-50 MRO cooperation agreement between Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Polish state defense company WZL2. The agreement includes MRO cooperation for the 48 FA-50 fighter jets exported by KAI in 2022. Minister Shin, Deputy Minister Bejda and others wore ties depicting the Polish national flag with two stripes, white and red, showing the friendship between the two countries.

During his visit to Romania on June 19, Minister Shin presented Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar with a gukgung (traditional Korean archery bow) and a seal inscribed with his name in Korean. The gukgung is a traditional weapon of Korea made with accumulated technology, and symbolizes shingung being exported to Romania, the Defense Ministry explained. Minister Tilvar was also presented with a seal inscribed "An Tae Bo,” his name in Korean, which means "big, clean treasure," as a symbol of the solid trust and promise of bilateral defense industry cooperation. After the meeting, they attracted attention by doing a “hand-stamped handshake,” and posed for a photo.

By Ah-Mi, Cho <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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