[INTERVIEW] Cooperation in defense redefines Korea-Poland relations, says ambassador

Ambassador of Poland to Korea Piotr Ostaszewski speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the embassy in central Seoul, Aug. 29. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

By Kwon Mee-yoo

In a climate of increasing global uncertainties, the diplomatic relationship between Korea and Poland is flourishing, particularly in the realm of defense and arms cooperation.

Recent high-level visits and strategic agreements have cemented this alliance, with Poland's acquisition of Korean-made FA-50GF fighter planes serving as a notable symbol of the deepening ties. As both nations navigate complex regional and international landscapes, their strengthened partnership in defense signifies a mutual commitment to long-term security and stability.

"I think it is my luck in my life that (as an ambassador) I am in the best place at the right moment," Polish Ambassador to Korea Piotr Ostaszewski said during an interview with The Korea Times, Aug. 29.

His remark captures the timing of a Korea-Poland relationship that's not just flourishing, but literally "armed" for success.

Before stepping into the diplomatic arena, Ostaszewski was an academic with a focus on international relations in contemporary Asia. A strong advocate for Korean studies, he served as a visiting professor at Kyungpook National University in Daegu from 2008 to 2012 and at Seoul National University in 2015.

As he nears his sixth year as ambassador since taking on the role in September 2017, Ostaszewski has witnessed and contributed to the blossoming ties between Korea and Poland. This period of diplomatic relations reached a milestone in 2019 in time for their 30th anniversary, and has since escalated to unprecedented levels of collaboration in the defense and energy sectors.

This transition from academia to diplomacy has been, for him, a deeply rewarding experience.

"One of the best things is that you can match theory with practice," Ostaszewski said, emphasizing that he sees the diplomatic post as an extension of his academic career in international relations.

"(Becoming an ambassador) is not just an accident in my life. I am fully satisfied now as I wrote books and practiced many issues and now I can present this to the public as part of my job."

Polish Ambassador to Korea Piotr Ostaszewski, third from left, poses in front of the first K9 self-propelled howitzer to be exported to Poland at Hanwha Aerospace plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 19, 2022. Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace

Long-term defense partner

The defense sector stands as a cornerstone in the Korea-Poland partnership, particularly as Poland allocates roughly 4 percent of its GDP to defense ― making it the highest level within NATO. This heightened focus on defense comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Poland is keen on bolstering its military power to fend off any prospective threats.

Ostaszewski noted that the acquisition of military equipment is not a short-term task but a long-term strategic move.

He cited the purchase of about 1,000 K2 tanks from Korea, which is not a simple transaction. "It's not like buying cookies. It's a long-term commitment and transfer of technology is also important," he said.

He noted that the decision to import weaponry from Korea was not made lightly, especially given the geopolitical tensions and the war in the region. The selection process involved many competitors and Korea was deemed most suitable for Poland's needs, according to the ambassador.

In October 2022, Ostaszewski was present at the delivery ceremony for Poland's first batch of K9 self-propelled howitzers and K2 tanks and he attended a similar event for FA-50GF fighter planes in June this year.

He found these events to be some of the most important ceremonies he has attended, particularly because it involved not just signing paperwork, but actually "touching the product."

"First, you have negotiations and sign MOUs, but if you are lucky enough and participate in many stages, you touch the product ― something not only on the paper," the ambassador said.

"Seeing the tanks and planes, which have been produced in Korea, but have my flag, it came real. It is something you see when a new chapter opens."

Polish President Andrzej Duda and Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak listen to explanations of Korea Aerospace Industries CEO Kang Goo-young on Korea's FA-50, KF-21 and Light Armed Helicopter (LAH) during the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Poland, Sept. 6. Courtesy of KAI

He stressed that hardware alone isn't sufficient for military exercises and training operators involves a complex and specialized set of knowledge and resources. According to the ambassador, eight Polish pilots visited Korea to receive training from the Korean Air Force.

"Training is very important ... It's not like with a mobile phone, hit some buttons," Ostaszewski said.

"To train a pilot for a modern fighter plane, fully packed with computers, it takes about over a year. Training a pilot for such a sophisticated equipment could be comparable to a division (of soldiers) before the World War II," he added, emphasizing the importance of continued cooperation after initial arms exports from Korea to Poland.

After importing the 12 initial FA-50GF aircrafts, Poland plans to bring 36 more FA-50PL planes, an upgraded version tailored for Poland from 2025 to 2028. The first batch of tanks and fighter planes were produced in Korea and delivered to Poland, but part of the remaining deal would be produced both in Korea and Poland.

Poland currently holds the top spot for Korean business interests in Central Europe, spans across various industries involving more than 400 Korean companies, including major conglomerates and their suppliers.

Ostaszewski emphasized that Poland is not just a recipient of Korean investment, but a strategic partner that offers a gateway into the broader European Union market.

"Poland offers very good conditions for business and serves as a pathway into the European Union market," he said.

President Yoon Suk Yeol shakes hands with Polish President Andrzej Duda after a summit and joint press conference at the presidential palace in Warsaw, Poland, July 13. Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon

High-level visits

Ostaszewski reflected on the multifaceted nature of his role.

"Every job assumes responsibility. This is not just a job ― it's a representation," the ambassador said.

His tenure, marked by high-level visits and burgeoning bilateral ties in defense, energy and business, stands as a testament to the dynamic and evolving relationship between Korea and Poland.

Among those, facilitating high-level visits is one of the most crucial responsibilities of an ambassador, and the pinnacle of honor for any ambassador is to coordinate a visit by the head of state from their home country to the country where they are stationed, or vice versa.

Polish President Andrzej Duda paid a visit to Korea in February 2018 under the previous Moon Jae-in administration and most recently, Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Duda in Poland this July as part of his European tour.

During their meeting, the two presidents stated their commitment to enhancing cooperation in defense and energy as well as in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. The Korean delegation also signed 33 MOUs with Polish counterparts during a business forum attended by the two presidents.

The Polish president had scheduled a comprehensive return visit to Korea for August, with an itinerary that included stops in the cities of Busan and Gwangju, as well as a visit to Saemangeum, the site of the 25th World Scout Jamboree.

The much-anticipated visit was unfortunately canceled at the last minute. Ambassador Ostaszewski, who had been diligently preparing for the presidential trip in each city, expressed disappointment over the sudden change of plans. He attributed the cancellation to unpredictability of life, specifically citing a typhoon that struck Korea on the planned dates of the visit.

Despite the cancellation, he remains optimistic and resilient in the face of challenges.

"This role has so many challenges that you have to manage. This is one of the best checks of your capabilities," he said.

His deep sense of connection to Korea, a country he has known and engaged with for years, adds a personal layer to his diplomatic endeavors.

"It's a part of my life. And it's indeed something that I'm very satisfied to not just represent my country, but to represent my country in the country I've known very well," he said.