Rome: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Italian President Sergio Mattarella have agreed to elevate their countries' relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on expanding cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and other strategic sectors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was reached during summit talks held at the Quirinal Palace in Rome. This marks the second stop on President Lee's first visit to Europe since taking office a year ago. In a joint press announcement, President Lee expressed that the upgrade to a special strategic partnership underscores both countries' commitment to further developing their bilateral ties.
President Lee highlighted several sectors, including semiconductors, AI, defense manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and biotechnology, as key areas for deepened cooperation. South Korea and Italy have a long history of diplomatic relations, initially established in 1884. As part of this strengthened partnership, the countries plan to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to enhance cooperation for small and medium-sized enterprises and the social solidarity economy, which will lay the groundwork for closer collaboration.
The summit also saw the two leaders agree to bolster collaboration in trade, investment, and advanced industries, as well as in science and technology. Additionally, they discussed joint efforts to respond to geopolitical crises, further solidifying the strategic nature of their partnership.