South Korea and Italy agreed to significantly deepen cooperation across advanced industries and strategic sectors during a high-level summit in Seoul, signaling a renewed commitment to closer bilateral ties amid growing global economic and security challenges.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with President Lee Jae Myung on Monday, marking a milestone visit that carried both symbolic and practical weight. It was the first time in nearly two decades that an Italian prime minister had traveled to South Korea, as well as the first visit by a European leader since President Lee took office. The meeting also stood out as the first foreign summit hosted at Cheong Wa Dae since the presidential office returned there late last year.
The leaders used the occasion to outline a broader vision for cooperation focused on next-generation industries. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, aerospace and defense were highlighted as priority areas where collaboration could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.
In his opening remarks, President Lee emphasized the potential for synergy between Italy’s long-standing strengths in science and engineering and South Korea’s reputation as a global technology powerhouse. He noted that combining those capabilities could help both nations respond more effectively to shared global challenges, including climate change and supply chain disruptions, while reinforcing cooperation rooted in democratic values.
Prime Minister Meloni echoed those sentiments, pointing out that despite the geographical distance between the two countries, Korea and Italy share similar approaches to innovation — blending creativity with respect for tradition. She also observed that South Korea has emerged as one of the largest per capita consumers of Italian products, underscoring the growing economic connection between the two markets.
Looking ahead, Meloni identified several fields with strong potential for expanded collaboration, including critical mineral supply chains, semiconductor manufacturing, transportation infrastructure and high-tech investment. She stressed the need for urgent joint research and strategic coordination in securing key raw materials, while also signaling Italy’s willingness to create a favorable environment for increased Korean investment in areas such as robotics and microelectronics.
Following the talks, the two leaders announced plans to elevate their strategic dialogue as a central platform for coordinating on regional and global issues. They also agreed to develop a new five-year bilateral action plan covering the period from 2026 to 2030, which will serve as a roadmap for deepening cooperation across economic, technological and diplomatic fields.
On security matters, Lee and Meloni reaffirmed their shared commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific region and reiterated support for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Both leaders emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and international cooperation in maintaining peace and security.
The summit also touched on cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides agreed to explore cooperation in sports and cultural promotion, leveraging upcoming global events such as the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo as opportunities to strengthen ties.
To cap the visit, Meloni conveyed an invitation from Italian President Sergio Mattarella for President Lee to make a state visit to Italy later this year, signaling momentum for continued high-level engagement between the two countries as they work to translate diplomatic commitments into concrete outcomes.