President Lee: "First Visit in 19 Years" ... Meloni: "A Close Relationship, Yet Surprising"
"Joint Response to Global Challenges Including the Climate Crisis"
"Limitless Potential for Cooperation in Aerospace, Defense, and More"
Continuous Expansion of People-to-People Exchanges ... "As Important as Trade"
Italian Prime Minister Proposes Expanding Political Dialogue and Strengthening Cooperation in Critical Minerals
On January 19, President Lee Jaemyung held a summit meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, stating, "If Italy's traditional strengths as a science powerhouse and Korea's core DNA as a technology powerhouse join forces, the two countries can create great synergy." He added, "Let us broaden the foundation of cooperation as like-minded countries by jointly responding to global challenges, including the climate crisis."
President Lee began by noting, "Prime Minister Meloni is the first head of state to visit since my return to the Blue House." In his opening remarks at the Korea-Italy summit held at the Blue House's main building, he said, "Cooperation between the two countries continues to grow in advanced industries such as science and technology, aerospace, and defense. The potential of our bilateral relationship seems limitless," expressing his views accordingly.
He also highlighted the close economic ties between Korea and Italy, referencing the scale of trade between the two countries. President Lee stated, "Italy has established itself as our fourth-largest trading partner within the European Union, and the trade volume between our two countries has remained at a high level since reaching a record high in 2022." He further explained, "Now, about one million Koreans visit Italy annually, which shows the special affection our people have for Italy."
He also called for continued expansion of people-to-people exchanges in cultural and other fields. President Lee said, "Above all, nothing strengthens the friendship between two countries more than frequent people-to-people contact. That is why I value expanding human exchanges as much as trade and investment." He added, "As countries with strong soft power rooted in rich cultures, I hope there will be ever more opportunities for Koreans and Italians to deepen their friendship in various ways." When President Lee remarked, "Having met our Prime Minister several times, I now feel as if we are old friends," Prime Minister Meloni nodded in agreement.
President Lee stated, "I am confident that the Prime Minister's visit to Korea, as well as my future visit to Italy, will further expand and develop our mutually beneficial and future-oriented partnership." He continued, "Through these visits, I hope we can achieve tangible outcomes that our peoples can truly feel."
Earlier, President Lee expressed his gratitude by mentioning that Italy dispatched a medical support unit during the Korean War in 1950-53, even though it was not a UN member at the time. He also noted that Yeongdeungpo Wooshin Elementary School now stands on the site where the Italian medical support unit established a Red Cross hospital in 1951. At Wooshin Elementary School, there is a monument dedicated to the Italian medical unit's participation in the Korean War, symbolizing Italy's deep friendship.
Prime Minister Meloni then proposed strengthening political dialogue and enhancing cooperation in the field of critical minerals. She said, "I believe we must swiftly pursue joint research and other initiatives in the field of critical minerals, as it is strategically important. This is to further strengthen and stabilize our countries' supply chains, and for that, cooperation among like-minded allies is truly essential."
She also suggested strengthening cooperation in infrastructure areas such as transportation, as well as advanced sectors like robotics. She said, "I believe Italian companies can offer excellent solutions tailored to Korea. In terms of investment, Italy is working to create a favorable environment for major Korean companies, especially in important sectors such as robotics and semiconductors, so that Korean conglomerates can operate in Italy."
Prime Minister Meloni also expressed hope for expanding cooperation in soft power areas such as cultural exchange. Mentioning that her daughter is a K-pop fan, she said, "Korea is showcasing its soft power through K-pop, and I believe we can explore ways to enhance our cooperation. At the heart of all this is people-to-people exchange. I have always thought highly of President Lee Jaemyung's practical approach and respect it." At the end of her remarks, Prime Minister Meloni invited President Lee for a state visit to Italy.
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