Acting President and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok held a phone conversation with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for discussion on bilateral cooperation, including in the defense industry.

According to the finance ministry on Wednesday, Choi said South Korea can become Poland's optimal strategic partner in defense and security, after Poland, as the current chair of the European Union(EU), declared security as the task of priority.

The acting president said Seoul and Warsaw's cooperation in the defense industry will continue in a firm manner under nonpartisan support from both sides.

Expressing gratitude for the support and confidence in South Korea's democracy shown by key figures in Poland since the martial law crisis, Choi said the government in Seoul will do its best to enforce state tasks and manage external relations in a stable manner.

The Polish leader, in response, sympathized with the strong resilience of South Korea's democracy, adding Warsaw holds high regards for ties with the Asian country and intends to carry on with the bilateral cooperation without disruption.

Assessing vitality of high-level exchanges since the two sides marked the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year, the leaders agreed to enhance their strategic partnership in trade, investment and cutting-edge industries.