Taking President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Italy as an opportunity, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in future technology fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology and space technology.
On the 12th (local time), President Lee held a summit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Chigi Palace in Rome and signed a total of four memorandums of understanding (MOUs).
First, Korea and Italy signed an "advanced science and technology·ICT cooperation MOU" to pursue cooperation in fields such as AI, quantum technology, bio and life sciences, and space technology. In particular, they plan to review the implementation of cooperative projects through a "joint committee on science and technology." The presidential office described this as "the foundation for making the science and technology sector a new pillar of cooperation in the two countries' special strategic partnership."
The two countries also agreed through a "development cooperation MOU" to pursue development cooperation projects in Africa that can create synergies. Discovering projects in the agriculture sector, such as coffee, and digital education projects are being discussed as concrete initiatives. Uganda, Ethiopia, Egypt and Côte d'Ivoire are cited as target countries.
They also signed a "social and solidarity economy MOU." Going forward, the two countries plan to undertake joint research on policies in the social and solidarity economy sector and support the activation of social and solidarity finance.
They signed an MOU to promote policy dialogues and institutional exchanges related to small and midsize enterprises and small business owners. The presidential office said the aim is to link Italy's traditional manufacturing capabilities and craftsmanship with Korea's technological innovation capabilities to strengthen global competitiveness.
In particular, as the bilateral relationship is elevated to a special strategic partnership, President Lee and Prime Minister Meloni also agreed on the "2026-2030 Korea-Italy strategic action plan" to review concrete progress in cooperation.
Through this, the two countries will strengthen communication through regular high-level visits and enhance cooperation in high-tech industries by establishing a joint coordination committee in key raw materials and automobile manufacturing.
They also agreed to pursue a joint initiative to promote partnerships in the defense industry, bolster joint efforts to combat transnational crime, and support cultural initiatives linked to language and cultural heritage.