On January 19, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Blue House, emphasizing the expansion of bilateral cooperation in science and advanced industries. President Lee highlighted that combining Italy’s tradition as a science powerhouse with Korea’s technological DNA could create significant synergy. He also proposed that both countries jointly address global challenges, including the climate crisis, and broaden the scope of cooperation as value-sharing nations. This summit is especially meaningful as it marks the first visit by an Italian Prime Minister to Korea in 19 years and the first European leader to visit since the new administration took office.
President Lee underscored the long-standing friendship between Korea and Italy, celebrating the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties two years ago. He recalled Italy’s dispatch of a medical support unit during the Korean War, despite not being a UN member at the time. The two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership in 2018, and Italy is now Korea’s fourth-largest trading partner within the EU. Annually, about one million Koreans visit Italy, and the popularity of K-culture has led to a growing number of Italian visitors to Korea. Trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges have all seen remarkable progress.
President Lee stressed the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges, expressing confidence that mutual visits and the current summit would yield tangible results. Prime Minister Meloni noted that, despite geographical distance, Korea and Italy share many values and a spirit of creativity and innovation. She emphasized the significance of the semiconductor cooperation MOU for supply chain stability and strategic autonomy, and highlighted further cooperation potential in robotics, microelectronics, infrastructure, and transportation. Meloni praised President Lee’s pragmatic approach and looked forward to his state visit to Italy later this year.
Looking ahead, the two countries are expected to deepen cooperation not only in science, semiconductors, and defense, but also in cultural, political, and people-to-people exchanges. This summit is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for Korea-Italy relations to evolve into a future-oriented and mutually beneficial partnership. The creation of tangible outcomes that both peoples can feel, along with joint responses to global challenges, will likely be further strengthened. The strategic partnership and mutual trust established will help both nations expand their influence on the international stage.
This summit marks a pivotal shift in Korea-Italy relations, moving beyond traditional friendship to strategic collaboration in cutting-edge sectors such as semiconductors and supply chains. The signing of the semiconductor MOU is particularly significant amid global supply chain uncertainties, positioning both nations as complementary partners. The expansion of people-to-people and cultural exchanges is expected to generate positive economic and social ripple effects, offering a model for multifaceted international cooperation.