This post was originally published on here
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized strengthened cooperation between South Korea and Italy during a summit meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who visited Korea on Jan. 19.
Lee said, “Italy’s traditional strengths as a science power and the core DNA of the Republic of Korea as a technology power will be able to create synergy.” Prime Minister Meloni also responded, saying “Let us strengthen the supply chain by pursuing strategic joint research in the critical minerals sector.” Meloni visited Korea for the first time in 19 years as Italian prime minister.
After welcoming Meloni at the main building of the Blue House, Lee discussed bilateral cooperation measures and international issues for approximately 70 minutes through small-group and expanded meetings. Through his opening remarks at the expanded meeting, Lee welcomed Meloni’s visit to Korea, saying “You are the first European leader to visit Korea since the inauguration of the new government” and “Based on our shared memories, we have achieved remarkable development in various fields such as trade, investment, and human exchange, and in 2018, we even developed into a strategic partnership.”
In particular, Lee mentioned cooperation in cutting-edge industries such as aerospace and defense within the science and technology sector, saying “I feel that there are no limits to the potential of bilateral relations” and “If Italy’s traditional strengths as a science power and the core DNA of the Republic of Korea as a technology power join forces, both countries will be able to create great synergy.” He then said, “I hope that both countries will jointly respond to global challenges including the climate crisis and build a broader foundation for cooperation as value-sharing nations.”
Meloni also responded, “Korea and Italy are countries that share the same values” and “We need to further explore what fields have infinite possibilities for development.” While expressing “interest in the critical minerals sector,” Meloni proposed, “Let us pursue strategic joint research to strengthen and stabilize the supply chain.” Supply chain is a term that manages the flow from raw materials, production, logistics, distribution to customers, centered on supply chain management (SCM).
After mentioning the semiconductor memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be signed immediately after the summit, Meloni characterized it as “a meaningful step in bilateral cooperation.” She explained, “In the transportation and infrastructure sectors, Italian companies will be able to provide solutions suitable for Korea.” She continued, “Italy strives to create a friendly environment for Korean large corporations to (invest) in Italy” and emphasized, “We are working to enable Korean large corporations to come to Italy and operate in important areas such as robotics and microelectronics.”
The leaders of both countries also shared the same recognition on the revitalization of human exchange. Lee emphasized “expanding human exchange where people meet frequently for the friendly relations between both countries.” He then said, “As soft power nations with high cultural strength, I hope that opportunities for the people of Korea and Italy to build stronger friendship will increase in various ways.” Meloni also said, “Political dialogue can become more active through human exchange” and invited President Lee as a state guest to Italy.
Your Premium trial has ended
