By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

A delegation from Gyeongsangnam-do Province, led by Governor Park Wan-soo, officially visited Pomeranian Voivodeship (province), Poland, on June 13 (local time) and signed an agreement to strengthen exchange and cooperation between the two regions.

This visit was carried out to further solidify the ongoing exchange and cooperative relationship between Gyeongnam Province and Pomeranian Voivodeship and to promote mutual development in various fields such as economy, culture, and education.

During his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Marcin Skwierawski and Deputy Governor Emil Rojek, Governor Park said, “Pomerania is a key region leading economic growth and innovation in Europe, and it is very similar to Gyeongnam, so there is great potential for mutual cooperation.”

He added, “Amidst increasing strategic cooperation between South Korea and Poland, I am very encouraged by the cooperation between the core regions of the two countries in the fields of ports, logistics, shipping, and defense.”

He went on to say, “With the signing of this memorandum of understanding, the two regions will establish a future-oriented partnership and actively promote practical cooperation projects in the fields of industry, culture, and tourism.”

The memorandum includes various areas of cooperation, such as exchange and cooperation in the shipbuilding, defense, and energy industries; promotion of tourism resources to revitalize tourism exchange; support for exchange and cooperation between universities; support for joint youth projects; and support for cultural exchange, raising expectations for substantial expansion of cooperation between the two regions.

Deputy Prime Minister Marcin Skwierawski said, “Cooperation with Gyeongsangnam-do Province will provide new growth momentum for the Pomeranian Province.”

He added, “Let’s create successful cooperation models in various fields based on mutual trust and friendship,” and “We especially look forward to cooperation in the fields of universities, research institutions, tourism, and advanced technology.”

Deputy Governor Emil Rojek said, “Korean weapons such as the K2 tank, K9 self-propelled howitzer, and FA-50 attack aircraft are greatly contributing to Poland's defense capabilities,” and expressed his expectation that Korean companies will actively participate in the Orka submarine project.