Korean The President on a state visit to Europe for the expanded G-8 summit, met with his Polish President Lech Kaczynski in Warsaw on Wednesday July 8 (local time). The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy and defense.

The two presidents held one-on-one summit talks first, followed by an extended summit meeting, and announced at the joint press conference that the two sides agreed to establish practical cooperation in sectors that include liquefied natural gas (LNG), nuclear plants and renewable energy. 

The President called for his Polish counterpart to allow Korean companies to take part in Poland''s construction of an LNG terminal, which is to be completed by 2013, and also the construction of one or two atomic power plants, by 2020. President Kaczynski responded that he would actively look into the matter.

The two summits also agreed to favorably consider allowing Korean defense industries to take part in Poland''s introduction of 16 trainer jets, a project slated for early next year that amounts to US$1 billion. 

The President also asked for Poland''s active support for the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement to be concluded during his European tour. The procedure for Korea-EU FTA is nearing its final stage.

Also, marking the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Poland the two presidents agreed to further solidify the future-oriented partnership declared back in 2004 by boosting cooperation in all sectors of society, including politics, economy and culture.

In relation to North Korea''s nuclear provocation, the two leaders agreed to work together for a peaceful resolution of the issue that includes implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1817.

In the afternoon The President and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok attended an enjoyable luncheon with President Kaczynski and his wife. Korea''s presidential couple then presented three gifts: a golden turtle ship, a tortoise-shell design silver necklace and a digital photo album that contains a picture of President Kaczynski and his wife when they last visited Korea in December 2008.

The golden turtle ship especially has two meanings: one calls for Korea and Poland to sail together into a golden future, and the other represents a joint pride of both nations having fended off foreign invaders throughout their respective histories, according to the explanation of Cheong Wa Dae.

The President then visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw to offer flowers and held talks with Poland''s Prime Minister Donald Tusk over bilateral cooperation in the energy and defense industries between the two countries in more detail. Wrapping up his two-day trip in Poland, The President then moved to Italy. He is scheduled to visit Vatican City to meet with Pope Benedict XVI and also attend the expanded Group of 8 Summit meeting.