Polish embassy marks Constitution Day with call for deeper Korea ties

The Polish Embassy in Seoul held a reception Monday to mark Poland's Constitution Day, with Ambassador Bartosz Wiśniewski calling for expanded cooperation with South Korea in defense, technology, polar affairs and space policy.

The event underscored the broadening scope of Korea-Poland ties, which have expanded beyond trade to encompass defense industry collaboration, space policy and joint efforts on Ukraine reconstruction — sectors that both governments have identified as strategic priorities.

Poland's Constitution, promulgated May 3, 1791, was Europe's first modern constitution and the world's second after the U.S. Constitution. Ambassador Wiśniewski called it "a bold and innovative attempt," according to the Korea Times.

The May 12 reception at Lotte Hotel Seoul drew hundreds of diplomats, government officials, business leaders and members of both communities. South Korean Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs Park Jong-han attended on behalf of the Korean government.

Wiśniewski laid out a broad agenda for the partnership. "Our ambitious agenda spans a number of sectors, including defense industry, investment in future oriented technology and agricultural trade. We have decided to work more closely on polar affairs and wish to strengthen cooperation on space policy," he said.

The ambassador also pointed to cultural affinity as a pillar of the relationship. "Our mutual cultural affinity continues to be a strong foundation for ever tighter people to people, contacts and beyond our bilateral cooperation both leaders agreed to work closely on the international stage as agents of stability and predictability in an ever more turbulent world," Wiśniewski said.

Park praised Poland's founding document as "a great legacy proclaiming the Polish people's unwavering determination for democracy and independence."

Poland also reaffirmed its support for Ukraine and called for Korean participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference planned for later in 2026, the Korea Times reported.

Poland has called for Korean participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference planned for later in 2026, the Korea Times reported.