김은정
| 2026-01-19 13:39:22
(3rd LD) Lee-Italy-summit
(3rd LD) Lee, Italian PM Meloni agree to bolster cooperation in AI, chips, critical minerals
(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with joint press statement, photo; CHANGES headline)
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Jan. 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday agreed to strengthen industrial cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, semiconductors and critical minerals.
In a joint press statement after holding summit talks, Lee and Meloni said they "stressed the importance of strengthening industrial cooperation in key sectors, such as artificial intelligence, aerospace, semiconductors and critical raw materials, as well as fostering partnerships between public institutions and private companies."
"The two leaders concurred on intensifying joint efforts to develop resilient and reliable critical mineral supply chains," according to the statement.
On the occasion of the summit, South Korea and Italy signed three memorandums of understanding (MOUs), including agreements on private sector cooperation in the semiconductor industry, civilian protection in the field of natural disasters, and the protection of cultural heritage and historical sites.
At the start of the summit, Lee told Meloni that South Korea and Italy could expand bilateral cooperation in science and technology and advanced industries, including aerospace and the defense sector, as well as in joint efforts to address shared global challenges, such as climate change.
"By combining Italy's traditional strengths as a scientific powerhouse with the core DNA of the Republic of Korea as a technology leader, the two countries can create significant synergy," Lee said, referring to South Korea by its official name.
"It feels as though there is no limit to the potential of the bilateral relationship," he added.
Lee underscored the importance of expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges, describing them as a form of soft power rooted in rich cultural influence and said he plans to make a reciprocal visit to Italy in the near future.
He expressed hope that Meloni's visit and his future trip to Italy would further expand "mutually beneficial and future-oriented cooperation," adding that top-level diplomacy should yield "practical outcomes" that benefit the peoples of both nations.
During the talks, the two leaders also agreed to work together toward a "peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific" and to support peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.
"The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization and lasting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," the statement said.
Both sides also agreed to work together in multilateral forums, such as the Group of 20, and to cooperate in strengthening Seoul's partnership with the Group of Seven, of which Italy is a member.
The leaders also shared an understanding on promoting cooperation in sports by leveraging major international events, including the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics scheduled for February.
It marks their second summit meeting, following their first talks on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September last year.
In response, Meloni said that the two countries should identify new areas of cooperation, including critical-mineral supply chains, semiconductors, transportation and infrastructure, among others.
Noting that her daughter is a fan of K-pop, Meloni also expressed hope for expanded cooperation in the cultural sector, including pop music.
Meloni, who was on a three-day official visit, said she visited the Seoul National Cemetery on Sunday to pay tribute to fallen veterans.
The premier said she received an album from South Korea's veterans ministry documenting the activities of Italian medical personnel dispatched to Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War as part of humanitarian assistance.
Meloni, the president of the Council of Ministers of Italy, is the first European leader to visit the nation since Lee took office in June last year. She arrived in Seoul on Saturday for a three-day official visit as part of her Asia trip, which also includes stops in Japan and Oman.
The talks will mark their second summit meeting after they first met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York in September last year.
Italy is South Korea's fourth-largest trading partner in the European Union and is visited by roughly 1 million South Koreans annually.
In 2024, South Korea and Italy marked the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
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