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South Korea and Poland Launch First Bilateral Security Dialogue on Korean Peninsula

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  • Jeong Yeon-doo (L), vice minister for diplomatic strategy and intelligence, poses for a photo with Robert Kupiecki, undersecretary of state for security policy at the Polish foreign ministry, ahead of their security strategy dialogue in Warsaw on Feb. 2, 2026, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
    Image: Yonhap
    Jeong Yeon-doo (L), vice minister for diplomatic strategy and intelligence, poses for a photo with Robert Kupiecki, undersecretary of state for security policy at the Polish foreign ministry, ahead of their security strategy dialogue in Warsaw on Feb. 2, 2026, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Source Full size

Inaugural Security Talks Held in Warsaw The inaugural bilateral security dialogue between South Korea and Poland convened on 2 February 2026 in Warsaw, marking the first such platform in the Polish capital [1]. Officials from both foreign ministries gathered to discuss the evolving situation on the Korean Peninsula and to establish a regular channel for strategic communication [1]. The meeting concluded with a joint statement affirming the intent to expand security consultations moving forward [1].

Senior Officials Lead Negotiations South Korea was represented by Jeong Yeon‑doo, vice minister for diplomatic strategy and intelligence, while Poland sent Robert Kupiecki, undersecretary of state for security policy [1]. Both officials outlined their countries’ security priorities and exchanged assessments of regional threats [1]. Their leadership signaled high‑level commitment to deepening bilateral security cooperation [1].

Emphasis on Europe‑Northeast Asia Security Linkages The dialogue highlighted a shared understanding of the strategic importance of linking European and Northeast Asian security concerns [1]. Ministries emphasized the need for enhanced consultations and information sharing regarding developments on the Korean Peninsula [1]. This focus reflects a broader trend of aligning European defense policies with Asian security dynamics [1].

Defense Industry Cooperation Underpins Partnership Existing defense‑industry collaboration between South Korea and Poland was cited as a foundation for the new strategic partnership [1]. Both sides pledged to expand joint projects, share long‑term external strategies, and coordinate defense procurement initiatives [1]. The agreement underscores the role of industrial ties in reinforcing diplomatic and security bonds [1].

Official Statement Documents Commitment The foreign ministries released an official statement summarizing the dialogue’s outcomes, accompanied by a photo of Jeong and Kupiecki [1]. The document recorded the joint assessment of the Korean Peninsula situation and the commitment to broaden security consultations [1]. Publication of the statement serves to formalize the newly established dialogue mechanism [1].

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Timeline

1950‑53 – The Netherlands joins 22 nations that send troops or support South Korea during the Korean War, establishing a long‑standing defense relationship that underpins current cooperation talks [4].

2010 – South Korea and the European Union elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, creating a framework for later security and trade dialogues [2].

Late 2024 – Korea and the EU launch their first strategic dialogue, setting a schedule for regular high‑level exchanges and laying groundwork for expanded security, defense, science and technology cooperation [2].

Dec 4, 2025 – Vice Minister Jeong Yeon‑doo meets a NATO Parliamentary Assembly delegation in Seoul, pledging deeper collaboration on cybersecurity, advanced technologies and joint defence projects, and briefing the group on Seoul’s peace initiatives on the peninsula [6].

Dec 17, 2025 – Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide visits Seoul, the first in 32 years, and calls for a close security partnership, warning that North Korea’s cooperation with Russia transfers warfighting knowledge that threatens both nations, while proposing expanded ties in AI and critical minerals [5].

Jan 13, 2026 – Vice Defence Minister Lee Doo‑hee and Dutch Minister Gijs Tuinman hold talks in Seoul, agreeing to broaden arms‑industry cooperation, AI, space and cyber projects, and Lee thanks the Netherlands for its historic support against North Korean threats [4].

Jan 15, 2026 – South Korea’s cyber‑affairs ambassador Youn Jong‑kwon and NATO’s Boris Ruge conduct a policy dialogue in Brussels, affirming that European and Asia‑Pacific security are interlinked and outlining plans to deepen partnership in cybersecurity, defence industry and space security [3].

Jan 22, 2026 – Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas meet in Brussels for the second Korea‑EU strategic dialogue, committing to continue summit‑level exchanges and to deepen cooperation on security, defence, economy and trade, while exchanging assessments of the Korean Peninsula, Ukraine and the Middle East [2].

Feb 2, 2026 – Vice Minister Jeong Yeon‑doo and Polish Undersecretary Robert Kupiecki launch the inaugural South Korea‑Poland bilateral security dialogue in Warsaw, pledging regular information sharing on the Korean Peninsula, expanding defence‑industry ties and reinforcing Europe‑Northeast Asia security links [1].

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